World Youth Day 2019 USA Leader Guides Stateside Leader Guide | Page 54

belonging to a community that is over one The call to live in Christ billion people strong. Even though stateside WYD invites pilgrims to embrace more events will not involve international travel, deeply the call to live in Christ. In particular, they can still have an international feel. A two aspects of our relationship with the Lord large Catholic gathering like this can help might be fruitfully examined after WYD. pilgrims to recognize that, despite differences in language, location, and culture, there is The first is the depth and closeness of the great unity in the traditions of the Catholic pilgrims’ relationship with God. Do pilgrims faith; one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. trust him as their Father, living as sons or daughters in the Son, and relying upon the The call to discover your mission Holy Spirit? The intimacy and personal The primary theme of the international WYD connection with God that a pilgrim often in Panamá should permeate the stateside feels during WYD may be sparked by a experience. This theme, “I am the servant of powerful moment(s) of prayer, praise, or the Lord. May it be done to me according to connection to the community; a moment(s) your word “(Lk 1:38) calls all people to where they experience the depth and fullness understand Mary and to imitate how she of the Father’s love for them. This feeling of stepped out in faith and embraced her unique intimacy with the Lord can last long after the vocation. There should be an emphasis at the WYD experience and help the pilgrim to gathering on God’s call to each participant to make time for prayer and reflection, and live a special mission in this world. The event the sacramental life with more joy. should help pilgrims to listen and open their The second aspect is living out the pilgrim’s hearts to hear how He is calling them to love. relationship with God in their day-to-day The notion of God being constantly at work lives. The encounter with the Lord and the joy in our lives should challenge stateside pilgrims that comes from it are deeper than any to reflect on how they may or may not be momentary feeling and help provide direction open to the Lord’s will in their relationships for our day-to-day journeys. All are called to and encounters. They should be helped to see seek the Lord continually, to be open to and where they can make changes to become led by the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, this is about more courageous and faithful disciples. a graced response to the Great Commission (Mt 28:16-20). Pope Francis challenges all 53