World Youth Day USA Guides Retreat Manual | Page 13

  Through our pilgrimage to World The Church – one, holy, catholic, and Youth Day, we will journey with Christ apostolic – is a sign and model of the just as Peter, James, and John walked encounter that Christ continues to have up the mountain with him to the with the world, through the works of the Transfiguration – so that our pilgrimage community of believers. will have a lasting impact on those we encounter and ourselves.  We will be asked to follow Jesus’ example as we encounter the Church We will first meet Jesus, at World Youth Day. Who Encounters Others We will then meet Jesus, Who is Merciful  As Jesus embarked on his public ministry, he showed us how to encounter others.  Jesus is the Divine Son, the very face of God the Father’s mercy who manifests the  Jesus encounters: Father’s mercy in his humanity – Jesus is therefore the merciful one. 1. His disciples who walk with him on the journey  The Jubilee of Mercy invites us in a particular way this year to consider the 2. The Jewish community, many ways we can be merciful in all we do. which shared his common religious heritage  As we journey towards World Youth Day, we will more deeply explore the 2016 3. Those who challenge and theme, “Blessed are the merciful, for they disagree with him shall receive mercy” (Mt 5:7) 4. Those in need of mercy,  healing, and compassion We reflect on our own struggles and sinfulness, aware of our need for forgiveness, and ask to receive God’s  Throughout his ministry, Jesus boundless mercy through the Sacrament taught, engaged, and built relationships of Reconciliation. with people. 11