Pope Urges Submission and Love Given to Christ

From Asia News Italy:

I like to illustrate this new step urged upon us by the Last Supper by drawing out the different nuances of the word "adoration" in Greek and in Latin. The Greek word is proskynesis. It refers to the gesture of submission, the recognition of God as our true measure, supplying the norm that we choose to follow. It means that freedom is not simply about enjoying life in total autonomy, but rather about living by the measure of truth and goodness, so that we ourselves can become true and good. This gesture is necessary even if initially our yearning for freedom makes us inclined to resist it. We can only fully accept it when we take the second step that the Last Supper proposes to us. The Latin word for adoration is ad-oratio – mouth to mouth contact, a kiss, an embrace, and hence ultimately love. Submission becomes union, because he to whom we submit is Love. In this way submission acquires a meaning, because it does not impose anything on us from the outside, but liberates us deep within.

Pope's Address to Muslim Representatives

Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave today during his meeting at World Youth day with representatives of some Muslim communities.

Benedict to Meet With Muslim Leaders

From Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Benedict to Meet With Muslim Leaders:

"When he meets with Muslim leaders, Benedict will be greeted at the meeting by Rydvan Cakir, president of the Turkish-Islamic Union of the Institute of Religion, a social and religious group. Some 2.6 million people of Turkish origin live in Germany.

Since becoming pope, Benedict has steered a cautious course on Islam, saying little besides condemning the terrorist bombings in London as the work of ``fanatics'' who don't represent true Muslim faith.

Our Mother of the Eucharitst

A site dedicated to promoting devotion to the "two pillars" of John Bosco's prophecy.

Visit to the Synagogue of Cologne

The Pope's Address can be found here

Of particular note:

"The Ten Commandments are not a burden, but a sign-post showing the path leading to a successful life. This is particularly the case for the young people whom I am meeting in these days and who are so dear to me. My wish is that they may be able to recognize in the Decalogue a lamp for their steps, a light for their path (cf. Ps 119:105). Adults have the responsibility of handing down to young people the torch of hope that God has given to Jews and to Christians, so that “never again” will the forces of evil come to power, and that future generations, with God’s help, may be able to build a more just and peaceful world, in which all people have equal rights and are equally at home."

The Two Pillars of the Prophecy

On the boat to the right of Pope Benedict was the WYD cross which was damaged during the boat trip:And a beautiful icon of Mary seen here being carried with the repaired cross into the Cologne Cathedral:

All leading to the final destination and the theme of this World Youth Day to the worship of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament:



"O Come Let Us Adore Him!"

Prophecy of St. John Bosco

I was reading this account of the Pope's trip along the river today, even the repairing of the cross and it struck me how literally the Prophecy of St. John Bosco alluded to in this blog earlier is being fulfilled. An icon of Mary was right beside the cross next to the Pope on the boat and as soon as the boat landed the Pope made his way to the Blessed Sacrament at the conclusion of the trip. Remarkable!

As you may recall the original prophecy refers to two popes...the first most definitely was John Paul II and of course the pope who quickly is elected when he falls is the current pope. Watching Him stand at the hem of the boat was almost shocking to me as I remembered my earlier post that you can read by clicking on "this blog" above.

I have added an additional post about the "Two Pillars" of the prophecy on the main page.



From AsiaNews.it :

He told the crowd that "these days I encourage you to commit yourselves without reserve to serving Christ, whatever the cost."

The Pope's boat was escorted by five ships to represent the five continents and the universal mission of the "barque of St Peter".

The Cross of World Youth Day was on the Pope's boat. It was repaired after a gust of wind broke it.

Thanks to Michael Brown at Spirit Daily (one of my must see sites) for linking to me on this.

I too hope for the new springtime John Paul spoke about and the books I've written aim to help us ease into that time (they are in the right column of the main page here)