sept 1 2006 Reflection on the Pope's message today

Those who meet Jesus," he said, "those who let themselves be attracted by Him and are ready to follow Him even unto the sacrifice of their lives, personally experience, as He did on the cross, how only the 'grain of wheat' that falls to earth and dies brings 'much fruit'."

"This is the way of Christ, the way of total love that triumphs over death," said Pope Benedict, adding: "This is the experience enjoyed by those true friends of God, the saints, who have recognized and loved in their brethren, especially in the poorest and most needy, the face of God long contemplated with love and prayer. They are encouraging examples for us to follow."

"In order to enter into communion with Christ and contemplate His face," the Pope went on, our lives must be "illuminated by the truth of love which overcomes indifference, doubt, lies and egoism."

Pope Benedict made this address today in Italy near Abruzzi. It is love that gives the gift to be able to truly give myself freely and totally, authenically as a full Christian. This is a suffering and a joy to be able to live this life completely centered in Christ. I pray today for the love and enthusiasm of being an authentic Christian.

I had just learned in reading yesterday that the word enthusiasm comes from the root "entheos" which means "in God" My strength and abililty to live life to the fullest comes in fulfillment for me "in God".