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Dear young people, like the first disciples: Follow Jesus ! Do not be afraid to draw near to him, to cross the threshold of his dwelling, to speak with him face to face, as you talk with a friend. Do not be afraid of the "new life" he is offering you. He himself makes it possible for you to receive that life and practice it, with the help of his grace and the gift of his Spirit.
It is true: Jesus is a demanding friend. He points to lofty ideals; he asks us to go out of ourselves in order to meet him, entrusting to him our whole life: "Whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the Gospel will save it." (Mk 8:35). The proposal may seem difficult, and, in some cases, frightening. But - I ask you - is it better to be resigned to a life without ideals, to a world made in our image and likeness, or rather, generously to seek truth, goodness, justice, working for a world that reflects the beauty of God, even at the cost of facing the trials it may involve ?
Break down the barriers of superficiality and fear ! ...welcome and serve him in your brothers and sisters, You will discover the truth about yourselves and your inner unity, and you will find a "Thou" who gives the cure for anxieties, for nightmares and for the unbridled subjectivism that leaves you no peace.
Message of the Holy Father
World Youth Day
1997
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