Do not be afraid

Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI is an Apostle of Hope. The message of hope permeated all of his homilies and addresses when he visited the United States in 2008. As he closed the New Year at St. Peter’s Basilica he once again called us to hope –to hope, not in the things of this world, but in the Incarnate Word of God.

"Our greatest hope as believers is eternal life in the company of Christ and the entire family of God," he said. "This great hope gives us the strength to face and overcome the difficulties of life in this world."

Our Holy Father shared his remarks during an evening prayer service on New Year’s Eve. “Even if on the horizon more than a few clouds are gathering over our future, we must not be afraid,” he said. We should not fear but should trust in God and resolve to help one another in the new year.”

He especially called upon young adults to “respond quickly” if God calls them to Church work and to live lives that witness to the values of the Gospel. He said the world needs people who are not focused only on their own needs and desires “because…if people look only to their own interests, our world will certainly fall apart.” he said.

He urged us to place in Mary’s hands “the expectations and hopes as well as the fears and difficulties that dwell in our hearts as we bid farewell to 2008 and prepare to welcome 2009.” Our Holy Father reminded us that our Blessed Mother made it possible for Jesus to be born on earth, to live among us and to show us that our final goal is to be with God in heaven. “It is Mary, the star of hope, who leads us to him,” the Pope concluded.