To a significant extent, our beloved Pope John Paul II, in full cooperation with Christ, the Invisible Head of the Church, appears to have single-handedly turned around the whole public self-image or self-confidence of being a Catholic today. Just a few weeks ago, due to the sex scandals, many were shamed of being a Catholic. Now countless have become unspeakably glad and proud of being one. Alleluia! John Paul II, we love you! Vicar of Christ, we love you!

At the same time, the whole World Youth Day was such a great success that the Lord had to permit something unpleasant to make us humble, i.e., the sewage problem left behind at Downsview Park. This unfortunate incident seems to remind us that as the salt and light of the world, we still have quite some homework to do. As Jean Vanier has cautioned us of a one-shot emotionalism, let us hope that WYD 2002 would become a much-needed spark to inspire and usher us towards further or even regular partakings in the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit, as well as in the practice of both the spiritual and corporeal works of mercy, becoming thus the real salt and the light of the world.

Apparently, there are at least three ways in which we can become the light of the world: A) The Activity-oriented Approach/ This more-of-Martha-than-Mary way seems to be a more-Western-than-Eastern Christian approach in which we seek to carry out various spiritual and corporeal works of mercy and justice.

B) The Prayer-oriented Approach/ This more-of-Mary-than-Martha way appears to be a more-Eastern-than-Western Christian approach in which we seek to lead a prayer-filled life. Full of God's radiant grace, light or energy, we become, like Our Heavenly Mother, the light of the world. In this way, we can effectively help Christ, the Light of the World --- who is All-in-all, in particular in the Holy Eucharist and Our Heavenly Mother --- to light up and transform the world at large, ridding it of ungodly darkness and contaminating energies. This is perhaps something which only a gifted mystic can see or envision. "I came to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish that it were already kindled." (Lk 12:49) St. Catherine of Sienna, Doctor of the Church (1347-1380), saw far-reaching flames [or lights] coming from the Holy Eucharist, as well as from her convent, spreading throughout the Church and the world.

C) The Virtue-oriented Approach/ Seeking to live constantly in the Holy Spirit, this manner of living seems to be cherished both by the East and West in which our life is being filled with the fruits or the nine-fold fruit of the Holy Spirit, i.e., love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5: 22-23).

Without question, we need to integrate well these three approaches. In this way, others would begin to "thirst" for the fruits of the Holy Spirit manifested in us, the activities we do, and the glorious transfiguration of God being shone through us. "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works, an give glory to your Father in Heaven" (Mt 5: 167). Simultaneously, we would be great "preservers" of the true Christian faith, hope and love, becoming in effect the true salt of the earth, bringing forth also a superabundance of conversions and vocations. Alleluia!

For a shining example, we do not have to look very much. Due to his wonderful co-operation with the Most Holy Trinity, all these three approaches are well integrated in the very person and life of Pope John Paul II. John Paul II, we love you! Vicar of Christ, we love you!

Date: August 5, 2002, on the eve of the Transfiguration of the Lord

* To order a video tape of the Pope's Visit to World Youth Day 2002, Canada, professionally done by The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, call the toll-free number at 1-866-516-4875 or click here.