date: 04.08.2020.
The third day of the Youth Festival in Medjugorje started with the testimony of Fr. Johannes Rothärmel, followed by catechesis of Archbishop Henryk Hoser, the Apostolic Visitor with the special role for the parish of Medjugorje.
Holy Mass, the central event of the day, was celebrated by Tomo Vukšić, Coadjutor Archbishop of Vrhbosna and the Apostolic Administrator of Military Ordinary of Bosnia and Herzegovina. With him in concelebration were also Archbishop Henryk Hoser, the Apostolic Visitor with the special role for the parish of Medjugorje, Archbishop Luigi Pezzuto, the Apostolic Nuncio to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Fr. Miljenko Steko, the Provincial of Herzegovinian Franciscan Province, Fr. Marinko Šakota, Medjugorje parish priest and many other priests.
Msgr. Vukšić referred in his homily to the excerpt from yesterday’s Gospel when the apostles were terrified with the strong head-wind and waves, placing the words of Jesus addressed to them – Do not be afraid, before all the youth gathered there.
''Since the miracles of Jesus are always the instrument for him to express care and love towards those in need and to help them resolve some of their difficulties, the miracles are his primary way of preaching and spreading the Gospel. His miracles are always in the service of goodness. This was the case when Jesus walked on the water, even though at first, we may have impression that revelation of His Divinity is the only purpose of this miracle. Namely, also this miracle was initiated by the need of the apostles to save their lives from the great affliction and there was desire of Jesus to help them. Only after he saved them in such a miraculous way from this danger, their recognition follows: „Truly, you are the Son of God!“ (Mt 14,33)'', said Archbishop Vukšić, adding that ''human lives and their faith in God are similar to when the apostles set off to the other side of the lake and the experience they had then.''
''It is because, as we journey to the other side of life and we wish to follow fundamental direction, there would be nights that threaten our course, waves that strike us out of sudden, doubts that discourage us, fears that invite us to give up, as well as little faith that requires miracles and fog of doubt that slows down our journey. However, despite that, we know that Jesus loves us the way we are. It is our Saviour who come among people just because we were like that. We also know that to us, who are His disciples in these days, he is saying: „Take courage! It is I! Do not be afraid!“ (Mt 14,27)
We thank Him for that and let us pray that God would always have His hand of help extended over each one of us, through Christ our Lord. Amen.'', said in his homily Msgr. Vukšić. The Veneration of the Holy Cross and meditation with candles followed after Holy Mass. (PHOTO)
