A new epidemic is here! But JY has found the antidote for it (BJRE068)

 


A new epidemic is here! But JY has found the antidote for it.

(By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2023) 

After COVID, another pandemic? The U.S. Surgeon General announced this to the press, and quickly, all media outlets picked it up. Indeed, all the newspapers and news websites featured this as their top news. A new wave of the pandemic has already struck. There is an epidemic of loneliness and isolation. The disease is widespread, and it can be deadly. 

“In society, 58% of people feel abandoned, " said Dr. Vivek Murthy, head of American Health Services, while presenting an 81-page document highlighting the seriousness of the situation, supported by ample statistics and research findings. “Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling; it harms both individual and societal health. It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death.” However, like COVID or other pandemics, can it kill people? He asserts that it can. “The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to that of smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day and even greater than that associated with obesity and physical inactivity.” Furthermore, its harmful outcomes will affect society as a whole. The effects of a lack of social connection “can be felt in our schools, workplaces, and civic organizations, where performance, productivity, and engagement are diminished.”

Its medication? Social connection

The leading doctor outlines the significant issue, explains its origins, presents a solution, and proposes a plan for society to change its behaviors. Undoubtedly, this widespread problem of loneliness and isolation carries severe consequences, but a remedy lies in plain sight: social connection. The cure for loneliness is close friendships. However, in 2021, a concerning 49% reported having fewer than three friends. Numerous studies indicate that people with strong friendships and regular interactions are healthier and live longer than those lacking good relationships. Evidence shows that increased connection can help reduce the risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, dementia, and depression.

This isn't just what this prominent doctor says. Recently, various fields of knowledge such as psychology, medical science, sociology, and philosophy point to this fact: to live fully and healthily, we need close social connections. This aligns with our faith’s teachings: “God who created man out of love also calls him to love - the fundamental and innate vocation of every human being. For man is created in the image and likeness of God who is himself love.” (CCC 1604) It's no wonder we become seriously ill if we forget to love. Conversely, love heals the body, mind, and soul.

Dr. Murthy’s announcement sparked widespread discussion. However, my happy thought was, ‘Thank God, the Holy Spirit surely guided the Jesus Youth movement to a profound realization of this core commandment of Jesus and, at every phase of its journey, helped us develop practical ways to serve this medicine well.’

From Program mode to Lifestyle mode

Life in society has become increasingly rigid, and loneliness remains a significant reality even for active individuals. Many are surrounded by others, busy yet profoundly lonely. Life within the Church is not much different; even a dedicated Jesus Youth can feel this way. Without realizing it, we turn into structure builders and schedule-driven machines devoid of warmth or joy. This contrasts sharply with the Spirit-led lifestyle that Jesus advocated. Therefore, we must once again ask ourselves: What are the essential building blocks of a fulfilling JY life?

1. Solitude: This is not loneliness but finding intentional private time. I appreciate Eric Fromm’s words: “Paradoxically, being able to be alone is the condition to be able to love.” For a Jesus Youth, this time is for reflecting on my life, thoughts, and experiences, as well as connecting with the Triune God who dwells in me.

2. Belonging to a friendship cluster: During our preparation for the 1985 conference, we envisioned that every youth should become part of a cell group and that our movement would be a network of such cell groups. Not so easy. Yet, a JY can be an effective friendship builder and an active member of a JY group.

3. Personal accompaniment: A key aspect of Pope Francis’s recommendation for youth is to journey alongside someone. We previously referred to it as Eldering, Pastoring, and the Emmaus journey. This enduring relationship is deeply supportive and transformative.

4. Talents to Personal Mission: In our movement, we believe that self-awareness is essential for deepening our spiritual journey. Thus, we learn to accept my differences and unique interests. This fosters a conviction that we are created for a purpose and called by God to do something special in this world.

5. Participation in church life: One significant issue that the Doctor highlights is the increasing number of people leaving the Church and other religious groups. In Jesus Youth, we encourage individuals to engage actively in parish life. In many ways, this provides both roots and growth in one’s life.

6. Service: Teaching others the joy of giving and serving lies at the heart of Jesus Youth life. This is undoubtedly the best way to combat loneliness and foster connections.

I love the prophetic words of John Paul II: To make the Church the home and the school of communion: that is the great challenge facing us in the millennium which is now beginning if we wish to be faithful to God's plan and respond to the world's deepest yearnings. (Novo Millennio Ineunte, 43.)


Topics

    Listening

    Loneliness

    Accompaniment

    Community

    Program mode


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