Yankee Stadium, New York, New York–Pope Benedict XVI spoke about true freedom in his homily to over 60,000 at Yankee Stadium in New York. Admitting that Obedience and Authority are words that are stumbling stones in many parts of society. Yet, he defined that true freedom in the mystery of love. “only by losing ourselves, the Lord tells us, do we truly find ourselves.” he preached.

Real freedom, he explained is found in the truth that makes us free, putting on the mind of Christ.

He said that our role is to be people who are living stones in the Temple of God; we are empowered to offer spiritual sacrifices pleasing to God. He defined this as to direct our every thought, word and action to the truth of the Gospel and to harness all our energies in the service of God’s Kingdom. “Only in this way can we build with God, on the one foundation which is Christ (cf 1 Cor 3:11). Only in this way can we build something that will truly endure. Only in this way can our lives find ultimate meaning and bear lasting fruit.”

The Pope called on Catholics to continue the historic tradition of bringing their understanding of freedom into the civil life as well as in the practice of their faith to co-operate with our neighbors to build a democratic society.

He focused on the duty of Catholics to be actively involved in building up American society as there is nothing good that is outside the dominion of God.

He challenged Catholics to follow in the footsteps of those who have gone before him and not to lose heart in the face of adversity. He called the congregation to proclaim Christ as the truths that set us free. “These are the truths that set us free! They are the truths which alone can guarantee respect for the inalienable dignity and rights of each man, woman and child in our world, including the most defenseless of all human beings, the unborn child in the mother’s womb. ” He proclaimed.

“Let your faith and love bear rich fruit in outreach to the poor, the needy and those without a voice.”

He again reiterated his call to be open to the vocations of priesthood and religious life.

He ended the English portion of his talk with the words from St. Peter: “Happy are you who Believe!” and called us to turn to Christ “who satisfies the deepest longings of every heart, and the life who brings ever new joy and hope to us and to our world.”

He addressed a shorter but similar homily in Spanish where he also directly addressed the youth calling them to seek Christ and to draw close in a special way to the poor.

Please also see webtvcn, technology in the service of evangelization.