What Do We Do Between World Youth Days? - "She got up and went with haste." (Lk 1:39)

Lisbon this Year, Seole, Korea Next- What Do We Do In between?- “She got up and went with haste” (Luke 1:39)
 
            Our beloved holy Father, His Eminence, Pope Francis, made it home safely giving thanks in St. Mary Major 2023, and looks forward to his next World Youth Day.  Until then, millions are inspired by his presence, his prayers, and his words to them!  What an age to live in where we can hear the Holy Father clearly, and see him up close, even if we weren’t able to go to Lisbon.  We can hear his words, and see his smile and his arms outstretched to our young people!  What a vibrant Church we are a part of!
 
“Mary Got Up and Went with Haste.” (Luke 1:39) what a theme to leave with!  Where are we being called to go?  Nothing is impossible with our God, but in the face of division, politics, our own mortality and fear, how can we bring light, joy and Faith to the many around us every day?  Bishop Barron in a reflection stated on Friday, that we are to live in peace, contemplation, and reflection.  BUT, from here, we are called to GO!  Where are we going to?  What has God called us to?  If we don’t listen, then we don’t know. 
 
            If you notice, before she got up and went with haste, she had been in prayer.  She had seen an Angel, and she had listened with great Faith.  When our Holy Father interacts with the young people, he does so with joy and full of real zeal.  He spoke truth again and again…(listen on line)!  He spends time in prayer, some not even publicized, and has the energy and focus to speak and encourage so many.  Jesus Christ is the center and focus of our Faith!
 
            On the heels of Covid with many responsibilities and children, taking a trip to Lisbon was not in the summer plans for me, but I believe in Christ and the message of renewal that our Holy Father proclaimed.  He encouraged all there to continue in the commitment to Christ each day, in your mind and in your heart.  Truly, when you work in the school systems, one must keep that in mind.  We bring our best selves into the classroom, the clinic, the hospitals, the stores, the office, the cows we ranch, or where ever we work- with the grace from Mass on Sunday, to be His hands and feet in the world.  Each interaction is an opportunity to love and to be present, to offer whatever we have, even when it doesn’t seem like very much.  Giving our best… like Mary did, getting up and going “with haste.”  Every Sunday, at the conclusion of the liturgy, Priest or deacon says: “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord” and we respond with our voices, “Thanks be to God”.  I am curious:  Are we doing this?  Am I living this? (Hmmm.)