In reading about World Youth Day it seems opinions are on all sides of event. There seems to be people who always say WYD was an overwhelming success and then there are others who always say WYD is a colossal waist of time and that the event is hardly Catholic. I will say there are parts of the event that make me squirm especially all the cultural pomp and circumstance that is always present at the event. Do we really need 15 pairs of people bringing up the offertory in different dress? Do we really need half naked aborigines clearing the way for the Pope’s arrival from one side of the Sydney Harbor to the other in a spectacle that looks more than a bit pagan? I think the coordinators of these large Catholic events go way over board to make WYD a made for television event verses focusing the core substance of what should be taking place. But this is just one man’s opinion.
Ultimately the success of WYD comes down to the openness of the individual hearts in attendance and watching on TV. Are they open to Christ or are they not? There will always be people who just go to see a new land and to be part of large crowd and then there will be those who go actually looking for Christ. I would bet that both intentions found what they were looking for. I have not been to WYD and really don’t have much of a desire to attend one in a far away country, but I always like seeing the enormous crowds at the event. It is a witness to the world. Hopefully all those who went searching for Christ found Him and hopefully even a few who weren’t looking for him found Him as well.
Dear Lord Jesus, help us to open our hearts and to follow You more faithfully and to joyfully know and do Your will. Amen
I would love to hear your thoughts on World Youth Day in the comment box.
WYD Good or Bad?
Ultimately the success of WYD comes down to the openness of the individual hearts in attendance and watching on TV. Are they open to Christ or are they not? There will always be people who just go to see a new land and to be part of large crowd and then there will be those who go actually looking for Christ. I would bet that both intentions found what they were looking for. I have not been to WYD and really don’t have much of a desire to attend one in a far away country, but I always like seeing the enormous crowds at the event. It is a witness to the world. Hopefully all those who went searching for Christ found Him and hopefully even a few who weren’t looking for him found Him as well.
Dear Lord Jesus, help us to open our hearts and to follow You more faithfully and to joyfully know and do Your will. Amen
I would love to hear your thoughts on World Youth Day in the comment box.