686 Acta Apostolicæ Sedis - Commentarium Officiale

III

Occasione Eucharisticae celebrationis in exitu VI Diei Asiaticae Iuventutis apud castellum urbis vulgo Haemi in Corea.*

Dear Young Friends,

The glory of the martyrs shines upon you! These words - a part of the

theme of the Sixth Asian Youth Day - console and strengthen us all. Young

people of Asia: you are the heirs of a great testimony, a precious witness to

Christ. He is the light of the world; he is the light of our lives! The martyrs

of Korea - and innumerable others throughout Asia - handed over their

bodies to their persecutors; to us they have handed on a perennial witness

that the light of Christ's truth dispels all darkness, and the love of Christ

is gloriously triumphant. With the certainty of his victory over death, and

our participation in it, we can face the challenge of Christian discipleship

today, in our own circumstances and time.

The words which we have just reflected upon are a consolation. The

other part of this Day's theme - Asian Youth! Wake up! - speaks to you of

a duty, a responsibility. Let us consider for a moment each of these words.

First, the word « Asian ». You have gathered here in Korea from all parts

of Asia. Each of you has a unique place and context where you are called to

reflect God's love. The Asian continent, imbued with rich philosophical and

religious traditions, remains a great frontier for your testimony to Christ,

« the way, and the truth and the life ».1 As young people not only in Asia ,

but also as sons and daughters of this great continent, you have a right

and a duty to take full part in the life of your societies. Do not be afraid

to bring the wisdom of faith to every aspect of social life!

As Asians too, you see and love, from within, all that is beautiful, no-

ble and true in your cultures and traditions. Yet as Christians, you also

know that the Gospel has the power to purify, elevate and perfect this

heritage. Through the presence of the Holy Spirit given you in Baptism

* Die 17 Augusti 2014. 1 Jn 14: 6.