The JY Charism of Spirit-filled Enthusiasm (BJRE089)

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, embodying a vibrant charism of enthusiasm. He passionately laid the groundwork for the music apostolate and composed the theme song for the “Jesus Youth 85” Conference, “Yeshuvin Yuvakal Naam.” During our group meetings, we would remind him of his upset midnight incident at Vidyaniketan if he became too loud and animated.

A New Life in the Spirit Brimming with Enthusiasm

Many people come to Jesus Youth after a life-changing encounter. In contrast, many others embark on a quiet journey in a group and often experience a renewed outpouring of the Spirit much later, during a retreat. Either way, a fresh dose of joy and enthusiasm is nearly guaranteed. St. Paul expresses it well: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Cor. 5:17). A sign of this ‘abundant life’ and newness is that “you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Col. 3:16).

One thing is certain: Jesus Youth groups thrive because of individuals with this remarkable enthusiasm. Although I began this discussion by mentioning how Johny’s vibrant zeal faced a rude shock one night, it is essential to remember that his presence in any group brought immense joy and encouraged active interaction, marked by cheerful greetings, lively conversations, and laughter. But are all enthusiastic people loud and boisterous like Johny? Certainly not. 

In the group I mentioned, Ravi was clear and thorough in all background planning, preparation, and follow-up work, yet he never spoke during the discussions. Jose Jacob excelled at recognizing and articulating the movement's direction in his writings. Alice would quietly converse with almost everyone, personally mentoring and guiding them. There were also others deeply committed to praying for everyone, performing various tasks as we gathered, and tending to different aspects of our journey forward. But what was common among that loving and zealous missionary group? They all shared a spirit filled with enthusiasm, fully aware that they were part of something significant and grand, ready to contribute however they could. The impact of that group was evident; from this zeal, a broader movement emerged. As St. Augustine said, “Only one who has fire within may fire up others.”

In JY, this charism of enthusiasm endures. I remember JY from my college inviting speakers for the ‘Yuvajoythi’ training. This was a two-week program consisting of one-hour sessions for students. Our college had a reputation for being politically vibrant and chaotic. Yet, when its JY leaders approached Dr. Beena from the nearby college, she readily accepted the invitation. She said, “Looking at their beaming smiles and enthusiasm, I couldn’t resist.” Similarly, when the state Bishops’ Council organized a Mission Congress, the program committee wanted Jesus Youth to provide engaging activities to instill genuine enthusiasm and fervor in the participants. To follow up on that initiative, my diocese proposed that a JY team visit every parish to share the missionary message through skits, dances, and songs. They are the best for that. 

The how and where of enthusiasm

Of course, enthusiasm is a gift of the spirit. It must be born in your heart, especially fighting the negativity inside and around you. In Jesus Youth, the elements of the six pillars, especially daily quiet time, reflection on the Word, and active participation in the sacraments keep alive that “life in its fullness.” But if it remains in the heart alone, it will eventually disappear or become a mask of piety. So, it must be shone forth in everyday deeds.

Learn to smile: When your heart is rejoicing, it escapes through your face.

Warm greetings: Social etiquette carried out with sincerity and warmth can be the best sign of the fruits of the Spirit. The Apostle repeats, “Greet one another with a holy kiss.”

Times together – eating, chatting, and fun: Enthusiasm grows in vibrant communities.

Sing, pray, and let the Spirit lead: When you hear people sing aloud or make a prayer enthusiastically in a group, that fire catches on.   

Joyful service: Like Mary, those bubbling hearts are eager to help needy people.

Talents and beauty: Lack of self-awareness leads to lack of enthusiasm. Knowing who I am and what I love leads to greater joy and authenticity. 

Readiness to reconnect and forgive: The journey toward greater radiance includes deeper healing and wholeness.

Belong to a caring and sharing community: A good Jesus Youth fellowship can provide the best formative setting for growing in enthusiasm.

Fight negativity with vibrant enthusiasm.

Pope Paul VI, talking about why people are reluctant to share the Gospel, says, “It is manifested in fatigue, disenchantment, compromise, lack of interest and above all lack of joy and hope. We exhort all those who have the task of evangelizing, by whatever title and at whatever level, always to nourish spiritual fervor” (Evangelii Nuntiandi, 80). St. Paul is insistent, “Never flag in zeal; be aglow with the Spirit!” (Ro. 12:11)

Some days, when the atmosphere feels gloomy, I announce in our prayer group, “Hello, everyone. Please stand up! Go around the room, greet as many people as possible, and shake hands. Then we will start our praise and worship.” That would change everything.

Topics:

Fighting negative attitudes

Building Community

Joy

Enthusiasm