But how should Jesus Youth Savor the Word? (BJRE015)

But how should Jesus Youth Savor the Word?

(By Dr. Edward Edezhath - Published in Kairos Global)

‘I don’t see you these days.’ ‘Oh, yes. I stopped coming to the prayer group’. ‘Any special reason?’ I tried to continue the conversation. ‘I went to a new place. I see the power of the word of God there.’ 

He told me how they use the Bible fluently, quoting so aptly. They are totally Bible-based. Then he started rattling off some Bible verses with clear references, correct to the book, chapter, and verse. This is surely a big achievement, and it is extremely impressive. But surely there was some disquiet in me; this boy is surely getting excited about the Bible but losing sight of some of the great richness of the word of God. Also, our group failed to open his eyes to that abundant beauty.

My thoughts go back. . . Almost at the end of my initial introduction to the Renewal, there was a session on deepening and following up on this newfound treasure. One of the four significant elements suggested then was studying the word of God. Under this, the father suggested two complementary paths. One, have a plan of reading the Bible continuously and studying it. Secondly, build a habit of daily reflective reading as part of the prayer time: something from the Old Testament, a portion of the Gospels, and a section from the life and teaching of the early church. I found it quite nice and simple and followed it somewhat faithfully. 

Since then, my journey with the movement has been becoming familiar with the word, enjoying its beauty and sweetness, and growing in loving and living it. “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Ps. 119:103). I wish every Jesus Youth group zealously prepared grounds for this journey and every Jesus Youth walked on that path!

When I look back, in a way, what built up the Jesus Youth movement was through a process of laying a firm foundation of the word in the lives of so many, and it was done steadily over a long period of time. That was done by many committed people in places far and wide but with a clear Catholic outlook. 

As we look back

In those early days, what Fr. Marcelino did for us was precious to everyone in our group. He would inform us beforehand whenever he visited our city; we would plan a day or two of Bible study under his guidance. This was quite informal, yet an ongoing thing. Fr Dominic introduced our student group to ‘Serendipity Bible Study’, which was all about finding some surprising treasures from the passages of the Bible. We also learned how to have small-group Bible discussions. Fr Fio would take an unpretentious portion from some book of the Bible but would baffle us with its breadth and depth. Sure, we enjoyed these long trips with and into the Word. 

The first big youth gathering in 1978 ended with some plans of mutual collaboration for the future. Many expressed their desire to have opportunities to delve deep into the Word. One memorable initiative at that time was a weeklong Bible Camp in 1979 organized under the leadership of Bishop Jerome Fernandez. That was a detailed journey through the Gospel of St John. The vivacious and saintly Carmelite priest Fr Canisius’s highly insightful talks remain deeply etched in my memories. Starting a Bible College in Mumbai under Fr Fio and Rufus's expert guidance was indeed a bonanza. A yearlong residential course was offered to the Renewal countrywide. Several early leaders of the Jesus Youth movement had their well-founded beginning of leadership from there, and they continue even now to bear rich fruits of the mission in so many ways and shape the direction of the Jesus Youth movement and its training.

When the First Line group started in 1983, everyone in that leadership community was eager to study the word. Among other word-based initiatives, one memorable step was a yearlong Bible correspondence course under the skillful direction of Fr Michael Kariamattom. This included a series of well-planned modules for self-study, directions for written response, participation in local study groups, and a yearend common study camp. A decade later, Fr Kariamattom again helped the movement organize the historic “Samaria 93” meet, combining Bible study and social concern. 

By 1985, the movement began branching into various clearly streamlined ministry groups. Naturally, each ministry stream plans its own training packages and mission plans. Of course, Bible study had a place in all these formation plans. Depending on their special area of mission and its needs, they planned creative ways of approaching and interiorizing the word of God. Among all the trainings of Jesus Youth, 1992 found a big leap forward in starting the yearlong Fulltimership program. One of the main components of the monthlong initial orientation program was various ways of approaching and studying the word of God. They are also trained to help others love and interiorize the world personally and in groups. 

The new millennium witnessed yet another Bible study initiative by the Kerala team. Under the leadership of Berly Earnest, a series of programs called “Thejus” started. One of its components was a yearlong Bible study plan, which included monthly weekend gatherings and ongoing guidance, publishing Bible Calendars every year, bringing out leaflets, and organizing word-based exhibitions.

Jesus Youth Prayer format was introduced in 2007. Praying the Bible and discussing and reflecting on it are the key elements of this specific prayer style. When the Catholic Church observed the Year of Faith world-over Jesus Youth movement, it took one significant step by introducing its comprehensive formation plan. Under the committed leadership of Manoj Sunny, a variety of word study initiatives have been introduced. From 2013 onwards, the movement took one Bible passage every month to reflect and live. The formation team prepares and brings out a comprehensive reflection on that month’s Bible verse every month.

Today, the biggest reality is that the world and its ways are changing so fast! The movement is also changing; its approach to the word is changing. I bought a Bible the same size as my textbooks during college to carry it conveniently. Later, I found one that would fit in my pocket. Today, I carry my mobile phone! Reading and delving deep into the world has become convenient and exciting today. May everyone in the movement ride this wind of change and enjoy the world more!

 = Pointers for Reflection =
1. Share about your personal journey with the Bible.
2. What more do you want to do to grow in that journey?
3. How important is the Bible for the growth of a person?
4. Your suggestions to help a young person grow in this path.