If a Jesus Youth were to lose that distinct flavor! (BJRE075)

If a Jesus Youth were to lose that distinct flavor!

(By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2024) 

We were discussing leadership. “Our parish has two dozen family groups. Years ago, when we started, there was much excitement, and many things were happening. But now it is different. Most of the leaders seem disengaged. When a common meeting is held, most of them are absent.” A priest spoke up next. “You are referring to parish leaders, but our Bishop often discusses his struggle to get the priests to cooperate with the Diocesan plans.” 

The Jesus Youth coordinator shared a similar story: “We make plans together, but the execution rests on my shoulders. Another significant challenge is getting responses to my emails. Additionally, it has become increasingly difficult to recruit people for coordinating teams these days.”

The grumbling about today’s Christian leadership persisted. Sitting among them, my thoughts wandered to the Biblical account of Moses complaining to God about the irresponsible leaders during their journey from Egypt.  In Numbers chapter 11, he feels so lonely and distressed that he tells the Lord, ‘If this continues like this, you better kill me’ (see v. 11).

We start with bright hopes, but . . .

At the turn of the year, our group shared various messages about how the Lord was initiating something new and sending us on a mission of mercy and joy. One person described a vision of a small stream that expands and nurtures the entire land, as outlined in Ezekiel 47. “Let the streams of life flow from you and transform everyone around you.” Later, Sangeetha noted, “For me, good inspirations emerge when we gather and converse. Then, I embark on new endeavors with great enthusiasm. However, I soon find myself slipping back into the same old lazy routine.”

Listening to all this, I questioned myself: Do we experience two phases in our leadership journey? One phase is youthful and enthusiastic, while the other is tired and burnt out. Many early leaders are driven by inspiration and enthusiasm. Eventually, they reach a tight spot and say, ‘Oh, I have seen it all. Nothing works,” or they fall into a rut, maintaining an external appearance without real fervor. 

What kills our spiritual enthusiasm?

We all embark on our leadership journey, much like the parable of the seeds. Most seeds start with great enthusiasm, but only a select few can thrive. What factors contribute to undermining or extinguishing our zeal?

As days go by. I asked, “What is your New Year’s resolution?” Binu replied, “I don't have one.” He added, “I know it would only last a week.” The enthusiasm we gain in a training program fades away in a few days. 

Worries and greed: “When I took my first big step with the Lord, I was a youth. Later, I became consumed with a new job, starting a family, and raising children.   Life presented many needs. Often, I chased after them, finding no time for the Kingdom. Even worse, those needs took center stage in my life and my prayers.”

Old sins return in a new form: I knew a young man whose main issue was his conflicts with his father. At a JY camp, he experienced a significant transformation. He learned to love and forgive his father and others. However, later, his pain and unforgiveness resurfaced in a different guise. He became actively involved within the movement but faced major issues with several key leaders.

Hurts and anger: Rini felt profoundly hurt by everyone in the group after her friend had a conflict with others. She was a vibrant young leader, but a series of related events not only pushed her out of active leadership but also caused her to abandon her faith. 

We cannot wear another’s shoes: Biju was one of the most earnest and eager missionaries I have met. However, a couple of years of spiritual formation made him overly mature, as he lacked freshness and initiative. He disappeared, and even his faith life seems to have faded away. Overtraining can create foreign patterns that endanger one’s unique spiritual enthusiasm.

Fan up the flame!

In our group, Augustine spoke about a blacksmith’s blower fan. This traditional tool features a bellows and a handle. The worker gently blows a steady flame, keeping the metal aglow as the work progresses. Continuity with balance, a spirituality that is not too intense but steadily burning, is the secret. 

Our challenge is to live our missionary enthusiasm in a world full of distractions and selfishness. There is a real risk that we may grow cold, fostering a spirituality devoid of joy-filled love. As Jesus said, “When wickedness is multiplied, most men's love will grow cold” (Mt. 24: 12). Our challenge is not to “abandon the first love” (Rev. 2:4) but to “fan into flame” what God has gifted us (2 Tim 1:6).

Fortunately for us, Jesus Youth is a great place that showcases many examples of ongoing spiritual fervor amidst numerous changes and discouragements.  Those individuals spread a unique aroma wherever they go, the aroma of Christ (2 Cor 2:15). James expressed this beautifully in our group: “I remind myself to emulate Jesus and be like Him. He encountered various people and faced different circumstances, but was always present and resourceful. I, too, must be fully engaged wherever I am and, like Jesus, be prepared to serve to the best of my ability.”

The six pillars of an active JY

The essence of spirituality and leadership lies in the ability to view the world and life not in the conventional manner, but in radically new ways. You perceive daily challenges as opportunities for God to reveal His glory (Jn 9:3) through us and to establish His Kingdom. In Jesus Youth, the six pillars aim to foster beneficial habits tailored for each individual and every circumstance.

How can I sustain a youthful and enthusiastic leadership journey? I take daily quiet time to recapture my “first love” and “fan into flame” the Holy Spirit within me. A renewed inspiration from the Word should enrich this fervor. Participation in the sacramental life and the daily enlivening of the memories of the Church keep me focused on the historical Kingdom. Each day, in some way, I connect with the life of my JY community and culture to receive a fresh dose of enthusiasm. This helps me fulfill my Kingdom responsibility today through some participative activity. Lastly, by using my time, talent, and resources, I reach out to those in need. By keeping this fervor alive, I embody the name Jesus Youth.

Topics:

        Enthusiasm/ Zeal

        Charism and styles of JY

        Leadership

        Journey of Leadership

Highlights:

1. Challenges in Leadership and Commitment  

2. Spiritual Enthusiasm and Its Decline 

3. Reviving and Sustaining Spiritual Fervor 

4. The Role of Jesus Youth’s Spiritual Framework

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