Biblical Olympics of the Gospel according to Saint John/ Archbishop: For life to have meaning, be enlightened by the word of God

2025-05-03 21:03:00, Aktualitet CNA

Biblical Olympics of the Gospel according to Saint John/ Archbishop: For life to
Archbishop Joan was present today at the development of the Biblical Olympiad. This Olympiad, held with children and adolescents, was focused on the Gospel according to Saint John. The Olympiad was organized by the Children's Office of the Grace Archbishopric and held at the Cultural Center near the "Resurrection of Christ" cathedral complex in Tirana.

Archbishop Joan began his speech with some explanations of the uniqueness of the Gospel according to Saint John and the importance of understanding the Gospel by heart, and not simply by reading it.

"The Gospel of Saint John is unique because it is not just a historical narrative, it is also a theological narrative expressed in simple, yet very profound words. The Gospel must be read, but reading alone is not enough. Saint Jerome says that understanding is more important than reading. The Gospel is not simply understood with the mind. The human mind understands a lot, but it is understood with the heart, when one experiences it and the purpose for which the Gospel was written, as the last gospel, but the love that God had for him was in the purity of the heart," the Archbishop said.

Biblical Olympics of the Gospel according to Saint John/ Archbishop: For life to

The Archbishop also recounted some moments from his childhood and family history. Further, the Archbishop shared how reading the Gospel had restored his joy, which according to His Beatitude is the essence of life and the presence of God.

"I come from a very large family. We are 8 children. I am one of the youngest. And in large families there is great joy, there are cousins, brothers and sisters. Then many changes occur in a person's life and joy begins and disappears. When I read the Gospel, the joy I had as a child returned to me. Joy is a sign that God is present in our lives," the Archbishop said.

Biblical Olympics of the Gospel according to Saint John/ Archbishop: For life to

The Archbishop stated that in addition to food for the body, food for the soul is also important for man. For this reason, the Archbishop emphasized that reading the Gospel has great value.

"If it's food, for the physical one, people eat 3 times a day. But for spiritual food, how many times do we eat a day? Why is the Gospel read several times a day? Because it deeply understands the message and only this kind of gospel can change us. Interpretation is a deep part of the people who have experienced it," said the Archbishop.

Biblical Olympics of the Gospel according to Saint John/ Archbishop: For life to

Finally, the Archbishop shared a message of life for the children and adolescents present, explaining the essence of life with God, which should include joy and not despair.

"Two things do not come from God, the first when we think we are very good and the second, when we think there is no salvation for us. Whether it is empty pride or great despair, they do not come from God. We hope that God will sanctify us. This is also not our work. What was God's reward for the one who does good? He tells him to enter into joy because in God there can be no despair. If you want your life to have joy, be guided by the word of God," said the Archbishop.

Biblical Olympics of the Gospel according to Saint John/ Archbishop: For life to

The Archbishop also shared a message closely related to the difficult reality of today, when man often becomes empty inside because he accumulates from everything that happens outside. Therefore, for change and courage to come, according to the Archbishop, this happens by reading the Gospel.

"People today only accumulate on the outside and empty themselves on the inside. If we want to stay spiritually pure, it is through joy. Wealth will be to have a joy that comes from the presence of God in our lives. One way to get this courage is by reading the Gospel," Archbishop Joan said. /CNA