Stirring youth enthusiasm and sustaining it, the Jesus Youth way (BJRE042)
Stirring youth enthusiasm and sustaining it, the Jesus Youth way
(By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2021)
“Today’s youth have a serious problem; most lack motivation. Almost nothing challenges them, and they live from one moment to the next.” We were discussing today’s youth. Educational experts had gathered to prepare input for a government-appointed commission. The team found Christian youth backward in comparison with other groups. Of course, many Christian educational institutions and organizations also plan youth programs, but most young people respond with growing apathy and boredom. In our group, many were asking how to evoke an enthusiastic response from our youth today.
What ails youth today!
In my parish, the second Mass is for youth and children on Sundays. After the catechism class, they come and stand in groups. Mostly, the small ones are alive and active, but when I look at the middle schoolers upward, I see a particular expression on their faces: “Why this torture! And when will this be over?” Many are bored, irritable, and often ready to explode.
Looking at those drained-out young faces in classrooms, on the streets, and in meetings, I often wonder what they go through. Perhaps what is more troubling is that we educators or youth animators don’t know how to bring them alive.
Pope Francis perhaps points to the need of the hour, “The community has an important role in the accompaniment of young people; it should feel collectively responsible for accepting, motivating, encouraging, and challenging them. (Christus Vivit, 243)
Some consolation
While in that discussion, I compared this situation with what happens in Jesus Youth circles. Surely, I had a sigh of relief. Signs of life and enthusiasm abound in Jesus Youth. For instance, when Covid is raging, and most youths are trapped at home, many JY have been active. The other day, Raiju called, “Tomorrow everywhere, Jesus Youth will express their gratitude and appreciation to the COVID warriors. You should also greet and give a packet of health care materials to the ‘Asha worker’ and the postman of your area”. I wondered how to get these things at that hour, especially during this lockdown. No problem; in about an hour, a Jesus Youth brought everything I needed to fill my packets. Nothing could stop them! So, I could do it, and so many all over the land.
For the past few weeks, different COVID-19 Funeral teams of Jesus Youth have been active in all zones. Hundreds of JY came online every evening to pray together, responding to the Pope's call. Then there was the 24-hour COVID-19 helpline, house cleaning in sea-flooding villages, food-packet distribution, COVID-19 transport teams, and much more on these difficult days.
Now, this is not just during Covid times. Somehow, a good number of Jesus Youth come out with creative initiatives. Of course, this was a big difference compared to today's general youth!
How do they come alive?
“What do you do with these youth?” Years ago, when a college professor quizzed me, I thought she was critical of JY Campus programs. But later, I realized she was so surprised that a weekend could dramatically transform her extremely timid student into a vibrant missionary. And she was earnestly asking, in practical terms, how this was done in Jesus Youth gatherings.
Yes, that’s what we want of them, not to be lethargic or sleepy but alive and enthusiastic. Somehow, in many JY groups, young people find a good ‘something’ to come alive. The question is, what is something that helps these youth be motivated?
• It begins with a deep inspiration. For every person journeying in Jesus Youth, the journey begins with a momentous event. For a few, it could be when someone took time, sat with them, talked, and prayed. But for most, it would be a gathering with other youth during which life was re-examined in the context of the Gospel; they met and interacted with some fine youth, and they had moments of memorable prayer. This somehow changed them.
• They find a platform to be involved. “Yes, I have attended a Jesus Youth program. It was great!” If that’s all, then that person is not on the journey. Jesus Youth is a local (or now often virtual) close-knit group. In it, a young person or a family comes alive and belongs actively. They gather, talk, plan, and do many things together.
• There are motivating people. As Raiju called me, in the movement, there are always so many motivated people joyfully troubling others. Their examples, energizing conversation, and opportunities to start doing something stirs most people into action.
• They get ongoing guidance. Life is a journey. You change and grow, and new challenges come up. One good thing about JY is that help is always available to keep you alive amidst these changes. There are people and programs to keep one alive and continuing.
Sitting with the well-meaning experts lamenting today’s youth, I reflected on the contrasting scenarios. What do the general youth get to be alive and active? Most youth today never get to come alive and lead a fruitful life. A few of them get an opportunity to join something vibrant but later get lost.
Often, I reflect on a different path I traveled. After high school, I became part of a vibrant student group emphasizing personal formation and social commitment. This continued for a couple of years, and then the group dispersed. My once vibrant friends disappeared into the rut of life. Then, I restarted and started the present journey. I thank God for bringing me to a well-motivated network of Christians and for the continuous growth possible there. Our challenge today is to offer as many youths as possible some means to have abundant lives and grow in them continually.
Topics:
Accompaniment
Youth Culture
Journey of maturity
Community
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