The recent apostolic journey Pope Benedict XVI made to his German homeland, last month was consolidated by its inspiring motto: “Where God is, there is the future”. In their communiqué in March of this year, the German Bishops’ Conference stated: “This motto highlights two central topics which provide the two key subjects of the visit to Germany by Pope Benedict XVI, similar to the foci of an ellipse: The question of God and the future.
“For us as Christians, the future is not an anonymous power, it is not a principle catching us unawares, nor is it an unavoidable fate. Our future lies in and with God. The motto bears witness to this. At the same time, it is intended to provoke reflection. God is counting on us for the future of the world. He wishes to shape the future through us.
“Being open to God and His will paves the way for a dignified future”.
The motto: “Where God is, there is the future” features six times in the following addresses and homilies that the Pope delivered at the Chapel of the Shrine of Etzelsbach (23 September), at Cathedral Square in Erfurt (24 September), in Münsterplatz, Freiburg im Breisgau when he greeted the citizens of the city (24 September), during the vigil with the young people in Freiburg (24 September), and, shortly before his departure from Lahr Airport to Rome (25 September). What are the theological and pastoral implications behind such a recurring phrase in a country where secularism and an ingrained diffidence to what is beyond matter and form is highly accentuated?
Commenting on his visit during the general audience held in St Peter’s Square last month, Pope Ratzinger described his apostolic journey on German soil as “truly a great feast of faith”. The Holy Father said: “This visit, carried out under the motto ‘Where God is, there is a future’ was truly a great feast of faith: in the various meetings and discussions, in the celebrations, and especially in the solemn Mass with the people of God. These moments were a precious gift that allowed us to perceive anew that it is God who gives our lives their deepest meaning, true fullness; indeed, that only He gives to us − gives to all − a future”. How will this come about?
With God, the Supreme Good, our future is guaranteed. In him we are blessed because he is total goodness, mercy and freedom. God wants to give meaning to our shattered lives and he is able to bring them to their realization if we allow him. As Pope Benedict explained in his homily at Freiburg: “God desires our salvation, my salvation, the salvation of every single person. He is always close to us, especially in times of danger and radical change, and his heart aches for us, he reaches out to us. We need to open ourselves to him so that the power of his mercy can touch our hearts. We have to be ready freely to abandon evil, to raise ourselves from indifference and make room for his word. God respects our freedom. He does not constrain us. He is waiting for us to say ‘yes’, he as it were begs us to say ‘yes’. Our trust in the powerful and maternal intercession of Mary, the Mother of God and our Mother, impels us to move forward in our faith journey towards God our Father. At the school of Mary we learn how to say ‘yes’ to God.
At the chapel of the Shrine at Etzelsbach, Benedict XVI noted that Mary teaches us the following lesson: “Understand that God, who is the source of all that is good and who never desires anything other than your true happiness, has the right to demand of you a life that yields wholly and joyfully to his will, striving at the same time that others may do likewise.” Under Mary’s guidance, “the little things of everyday life acquire meaning, and great problems find solutions”.
Where there is God, there is the future!
Mario Attard OFM Cap
San Gwann