"He has a message of love"

Daniel Brown

I grew up in a very faith-oriented home, learning basic Catholic principles via experience. I began altar serving for Sunday mass at a young age, and attended youth retreats in my teen years. My core social group is composed of Catholics that have acted as a strong support for my faith both rationally and spiritually and faith is a major element of my life. I remember I was headed home on the school bus when I heard a new pope was elected. My friend texted the news to me. As Pope Francis papacy began, I remember thinking he was good at making headlines and getting many people talking about Catholic ongoings. Now, I think Pope Francis is a good pope for where secular society is at right now. I find his teachings are not as apparent as past popes, but this may just be due to my interest and preference of teaching topics. I think Pope Francis has had a very positive impact with the youth. It is the generation that most wants and needs to hear his message of love right now. I do not think Pope Francis will bring about any changes that go against Catholic teaching. I think he will continue to love everyone with open arms and continue to teach the joy the Catholic faith can bring. If I had the chance to speak to Pope Francis I would say, “Hi, I’m Daniel Brown. Don’t worry, not the Da Vinci Code one.”

In Pope Francis’ homily at the closing Mass of World Youth Day. He preached his message of love to a meadow full of youth, appropriately named the “Campus Misericordiae” or “Field of Mercy.” He spoke of the tax collector Zacchaeus and how Jesus called him out of the crowd to share a meal with him. Pope Francis explained there were three obstacles that kept Zacchaeus from Jesus; his short stature, his paralysis of shame, and the angry crowd. But all of these obstacles can be overcome through Jesus’ love. We may think ourselves small, but “God loves us the way we are, and no sin, fault or mistake of ours makes him change his mind...He believes in us even more than we believe in ourselves. He is always “cheering us on”; he is our biggest fan.”. If we are paralyzed by shame “don’t be ashamed to bring everything to the Lord in confession, especially your weaknesses, your struggles and your sins. He will surprise you with his forgiveness and his peace. Don’t be afraid to say “yes” to him with all your heart, to respond generously and to follow him!” And to the angry crowd who will try to dissuade you “[God] demands of us real courage: the courage to be more powerful than evil by loving everyone, even our enemies. People may laugh at you because you believe in the gentle and unassuming power of mercy. But do not be afraid. Think of the motto of these days: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy” (Mt 5:7).” Throughout his homily Pope Francis repeats in new ways, God loves you and this love is greater than anything else. The message of mercy is opening hearts and changing lives.