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On Thursday afternoon, the Pope arrived at Barangaroo.  He rode a boat down the Sydney Harbour and people lined the water's edge to see him.  Most of us were gathered at Barangaroo, and you could feel the anticipation when everyone knew he was close.  When Pope Benedict got off the boat and his image flashed on the jumbotron, everyone started cheering and screaming and clapping. 

The moment when I saw Pope Benedict step off the boat was one of those moments that touched me so deeply that I will never forget it.  As he was riding down the Harbour, there were a few clouds blocking the sun.  When he walked off the boat, the clouds parted and the big, Australian sun began to shine through.  As I saw this, my eyes were filled with tears.  I thought about how many times I had been blessed to be in the presence of the Pope, and how many places I have gone in my life that God has truly blessed me.  In this moment I wondered why me?  Why has God been so good to me and given me so many opportunities?  Standing there, with tears in my eyes, and the sun on my face, I got my answer.  He has given me much because he expects much.  This knowledge filled me with a great sense of responsibility as well as peace.

I think that it is so important when we experience a special blessing or opportunity in our lives, to remember that we are expected to give what we receive.  Whether it be in my vocation, my career, my faith life, God expects much in return for all of the blessings he has bestowed on me. 

When the Pope entered Barangaroo and walked up on stage and greeted the chanting crowd, he spoke in various languages about his excitment to be with the young people of the world.  The young people love him.  After a few welcomes and prayers, Pope Benedict got back in the Popemobile and drove through the crowd of cheering youth.

Peace and Prayers,

Annie

  "Jesus proclaims that a new age has begun, in which the Holy Spirit will be poured out upon all humanity...Empowered by the Spirit, and drawing upon faith’s rich vision, a new generation of Christians is being called to help build a world in which God’s gift of life is welcomed, respected and cherished -- not rejected, feared as a threat and destroyed." Pope Benedict XVI