Reflections on Jesus Youth (BJRE***)

The JY Charism of Spirit-filled Enthusiasm (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2025)   One of my fond memories from the formative days of Jesus Youth involves Johny, a member of our First Line group. The group began meeting monthly in 1982, with our initial gatherings taking place at Vidyaniketan, the institution where I lived and worked while teaching and caring for 17 teenagers. We would meet from the third Friday of the month until Sunday afternoon.  Johny was a businessman, so he naturally couldn't arrive early for our first meeting. He reached Vidyaniketan after midnight and rang the doorbell, waking the college director, a senior Jesuit priest. In the dead of night, we were all asleep when the elderly priest came down to open the door. With his characteristic exuberance, Johny greeted him with a loud “Praise the Lord,” only to receive a cold look and a stern, “Don’t wake up the whole neighborhood!” Johnny was one of the movement's early builders, emb...

Should we bring young people to Jesus or to Jesus Youth? (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2025)   It was a local gathering of JY leaders. During the discussion, Maria raised a question: "I am active in my parish. When I work with youth, bringing them to Jesus is essential. Should I also bring them to Jesus Youth? “ People remained quiet for a while, and another young person spoke up, saying, “That is true. In our work with the youngsters, should our goal be to bring them to the movement? “ I wondered where this question originated. Has she encountered some overzealous Jesus Youth who pressured people to join the movement, or is it stemming from some shame about being a Jesus Youth, belonging to this community, and her desire to conceal this aspect of her identity? Regardless of her motivation, it is essential to discuss her question. Firstly, is there a conflict between bringing people to Jesus and bringing them to the Jesus Youth? Secondly, what is the imp...

When Families Struggle, What Can Jesus Youth Do? (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2025)   The other day, while I was driving, my daughter started talking about her friends and their families. “Many of them are struggling,” she said. “Some young couples are already separated, and others don’t know where to turn for help. Do you know anyone who can support them?” I mentioned a few priests and counselors, but she hesitated. “They need someone to listen and guide them—someone who truly understands them. Yet, the moment they hear ‘priest’ or ‘counselor,’ they feel judged or disconnected. Can’t we involve ordinary people who empathize and are willing to help?” Her inquiry prompted reflection. Periods of Rapid Change In 1988, I visited Taizé, France, and was shocked by what I heard—divorce rates were skyrocketing in the West, and many families were disintegrating. When they inquired about the situation in India, I confidently replied, “I don’t know of a single divo...

Called to be Witnesses in a Whirlwind of Confusion (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2024) We began our New Year prayer meetings by studying the first part of St. Matthew’s Gospel. Our discussion focused on St. Joseph’s life. He was aware of God’s great plans and believed in them, yet everything around him was chaotic. What could his inner response have been to that constant change and confusion?  Later, someone discussed the condition of young people today: “With much prayer and preparation, we planned an engaging youth weekend. However, the youth response was disappointing, and the team felt very upset.” Another person recounted the story of a very active youth leader in the parish, who was well-supported but suddenly ended her life, driving many who heard about it into despair. More and more stories emerged, painting a troubling picture of youth culture. We are eager for a safe, well-ordered world. During stormy times when the sky darkens and the wind and ...

Do Our Prayer Styles Attract or Repel?  (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2024)   I knew about St. Augustine’s conversion, but had never heard of his three conversions. While reading Pope Benedict, I learned about them. Augustine’s first conversion involved turning from his sinful, worldly path to accepting Jesus and His teachings. He then joined the Christian community but became disappointed with it. Their prayer styles felt dull and unappealing, which led him to leave. Later, he encountered the congregation of St. Ambrose, which offered a beautiful, uplifting experience that brought him heavenly joy. Augustine fell in love with that Christian community and its practices. That was Augustine’s second conversion.  Many people come to appreciate Jesus and subsequently seek a Christian fellowship. However, the groups they encounter often dishearten them with their prayer practices. Nowadays, we need spaces and groups that facilitate a “second conversi...

Five steps to a fruitful community, yet most fail at the third. (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2024)   One small step helped us start our group. “Are you all interested in forming a group? We can meet every week?” Fr. Marcelino asked at the end of a four-day seminar. I readily agreed. The following Sunday, we met in a college classroom. I was eager to participate but felt a bit confused and apprehensive. However, many smiling faces put me at ease, and when Father started teaching some songs and invited us to join in, we happily responded.  A little group singing put us all at ease; we were already united in heart. A brief prayer time was followed by insightful Bible-based teaching, and then we were divided into small groups. By the end of the first day, I had already made half a dozen lovely friends and felt joy-filled anticipation. That marked the beginning of a long and eventful journey. A journey of five phases That is just one group in my life. In...

In Jesus Youth, you learn love in action.   To live with a compassionate heart, attentive eyes, and willing hands (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2024)   Some memories linger. One such memory is the inaugural session of the 1978 conference at SH College, attended by about 800 young people. The Bishop of Cochin was the chief guest, and I delivered the keynote address as the convener. That was a significant leap forward in our youth ministry, and we all were in high spirits. However, alongside that excitement, I had a nagging concern that I felt a bit ashamed to share with anyone.  Later that night, the main organizers gathered to evaluate the first day and review the plans for the remainder of the conference. However, my concern grew: I wouldn’t have enough money to hire a taxi if the last bus to my village leaves. I was in my second year of college and living on a shoestring budget. I felt ashamed to reveal my financial struggles to others. A...

When ‘project’ becomes an unpleasant term in Jesus Youth. (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2024)   “Sorry! Is this a wrong time to talk?” It was a call from a girl around 4:30 in the afternoon. The call came through Facebook Messenger. Quite strange, as I had never received a call like that before. “Perfectly fine,” I replied. However, I noticed she had already tried to chat with me and made several unsuccessful calls.  Then it dawned on me: she was calling from somewhere in India, where it was about two in the morning. “Have we met?” Oh yes. I realized that years ago, after a Jesus Youth training program, we had spent some time together.  Soon, I learned that she was in a terrible mental state, having no one to talk to and contemplating the unthinkable. Somehow, she took her phone, saw me online, and tried to call me. “How can I call you at this time? " I thought. But then something urged me to dial. The Lord has a plan for me.” Then we had a long...

Let’s be attentive to the guidance of the Spirit! On JY's culture of sharing inspirational messages. (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2024)   I have a habit of keeping bits of notes and pieces of paper from meetings and discussions. Revisiting them many years later is interesting. It is also inspiring to see patterns of divine intervention and God shaping events through simple moments and ordinary people. In Jesus Youth, we often discuss ‘messages,’ sharing deep inspirations that someone feels within and expressing them with the conviction that God is speaking through them. This may seem quite strange to others, even to other good Christians. However, in Jesus Youth, there is an openness to these messages and a readiness to discern what God is communicating through them. But isn’t there some risk in this, and a potential for misuse? Oh yes, a wise and discerning approach is essential. The Apostle provides us with a balanced perspective: “Do not quench the Sp...

Accompany them! Don’t push or control! (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2024)   Sophy is from a country in the Far East. I met her at an international gathering of Jesus Youth. “I have finished college and will start working soon. However, I want to remain active in youth ministry. Many people I know joined youth groups, but most have since stopped participating.” Her strong desire was to be different from them and to continue in the movement, growing within it. “I am convinced that Jesus Youth will be the best option for young people from our land and communities.” However, I was curious to learn why her friends stopped their ministry involvement. “You know, many of the youth leaders are quite pushy. Somehow, our youth cannot tolerate being forced to participate. They would rather just disappear.” Freedom and respect are invaluable. Her remarks prompted reflection. Indeed, many young people avoid spirituality for fear of losing their freedom or because of u...

How ‘Subsidiarity’ Shapes Jesus Youth Culture (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2024) I often reflect on the brief discussion about Fr. Fio’s letter from May 1978. In the small library hall of Alwaye Loyola, Fr. Paul Lantha, Fr. Joe Kizhakedom, and I sat together to read the National Chairman’s letter to the newly formed Kerala Service Team (KST) of the Charismatic Renewal. “Bringing together young people could be your first task,” he suggested. The following week, the KST met with the Advisory Council in Thrissur, where initial steps were taken to gather young people. A successful charismatic youth convention had already taken place in Mumbai. In Bangalore and Chennai, youth groups were thriving. In this context, Fr. Fio proposed the idea of a youth convention for Kerala. Now, after nearly five decades of an incredible journey since that letter, it’s intriguing to consider how this journey has been distinct from other similar experiences. One comment I heard fro...

Caring for the little ones builds community (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2024)   Father Abraham Adappur was a renowned thinker and writer, highly respected in both ecclesiastical and secular circles. I have fond memories of visiting him. We would sit down and casually begin chatting about various hot topics in the news. He would then ask for your opinion on those issues, as if you were an expert, and listen with great attentiveness. It was such a tremendous honor!  Years ago, I had the same experience at Taizé with Brother Roger. He would listen to you with rapt attention, build on your thoughts or ideas, and acknowledge that it was your idea. Pope John Paul II was known for inviting people to dinner meetings, spending time asking questions, and listening to his guests. Surely, love and community grow through both the eyes and the ears. However, we seldom have models of such quality. I was invited to a prayer group. When I arrived, a few people had ...

When history was being made, where were you? The five Positions!  (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2024)   My city, Cochin, hosts a grand art extravaganza called the Kochi Biennale, where creative minds from around the globe gather to showcase their talents. Although I don’t have a background in art, I try not to miss these festivals and exhibitions. On a few occasions, I welcomed some artists and organized group visits. I follow this principle: “I want to be at the fireworks, not just hear about them.” I suppose that is a God-given gift of enthusiasm, without which we would miss the true work of the Holy Spirit. What is your share and your place? When I look at the events in the Bible, I try to picture the various actors and their positions. It comes alive as if it were a drama.  In the healing of the lame beggar at the Beautiful Gate in Acts chapter 3, Peter takes on the role of the lead actor. There is at least one supporting actor, John. Soon, ...