A Communion Beyond Borders

The Taizé website has a page with the Meditations by Brother Alois given this week to the international ecumenical gathering in Zageb, Croatia.  That page now includes Brother Alois' words at today's Mass, which was televised in France and by satellite.  The meeting has been attended by around 40,000 youth from various countries.  It ends tomorrow. 

Here is a short excerpt from Brother Alois' words today at the ecumenical Mass on the last full day of their meeting:

"Perhaps much more than we realize, you young people can awaken in our modern societies attentiveness to God. First of all by your life. But also with a few simple words, you can share trust in God with those who are around you, friends, believers or non-believers.

"Doubts and hesitations should not stop you! They are part of a life in the steps of Christ. Trust in God involves an inner combat. This combat will make your words credible. We cannot keep what touches our heart only for ourselves."

And this is from yesterday's meditation:

"These days we are experiencing a communion that goes beyond the borders of nations and denominations. There are many young Orthodox from different countries among us. With two other brothers, just before our meeting, I visited Serbia to pray in the churches. What joy that young people from Serbia have come to Zagreb! We would like to greet them specially this evening.

"You know how Brother Roger sought communion and reconciliation with passion. He communicated that passion to us brothers, and we share it with all of you so that a new face of the world can be born from that communion.

"It is Christ who brings us together. . . ."