What is Jesus Youth Mission? Building witnessing communities (BJRE071)
What is Jesus Youth Mission? Building witnessing communities
(By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2023)
These days, I regularly attend two weekly prayer groups. The Wednesday group is my old one, which now meets online. It goes very well. The local group gathers on Sunday afternoons, but its attendance is not very consistent. Occasionally, they cancel the meeting because other commitments arise, and they often choose to skip it for study sessions or outside events.
Participation in a community is a habit, and a good habit must be carefully nurtured. However, many people gradually disconnect from Jesus Youth as the group becomes inconsistent. Perhaps this was what the writer of the book of Hebrews observed: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (10:24,25) Even in the early Church, some members neglected to attend meetings.
In the group, I finally decided to speak up. “I want to talk about something,” I said during a Sunday meeting. “How can we grow as Jesus Youth if we only meet occasionally? Don’t you want to gather every week?” The issue lay with the leaders. They were busy, but the other members were eager to attend. “If anyone is ready, I will come every week.” That became a significant first step.
You need a canvas to paint a picture.
My journey with a prayer group began just before I started college. “No matter what happens, I won’t miss my group.” This simple decision marked a significant step in my life, helping me maintain a steady and balanced spiritual life. There was one more thing. Often, heavy rain or public strikes would occur, causing the city to come to a standstill. Yet, others knew I would be there, and many would also come. Thus, a strong community was built with a few remaining steady. Over the years, numerous leaders emerged from there. Some devoted individuals are the foundation upon which a good community is established.
The journey of the First Line group was a significant step in establishing the Jesus youth movement. In 1982, leaders from various zones started meeting monthly. This was made possible by the consistent efforts of many leaders from our prayer group. Only a community can build other communities.
Often, I ask groups, “What do you find so special about Jesus Youth?” They usually answer love, sharing, caring, and fellowship. This embodies the core charism of Jesus Youth and is reflected in how the movement begins to build in any place. The process can start in a new location if at least one enthusiastic Jesus Youth is present. The first step involves finding a few interested individuals who gather regularly to pray, share, and grow. From there, deepening and spreading will begin.
But there is another scenario: there are places where numerous retreats and training sessions occur year after year. However, nothing changes. Transformation can begin when an individual is motivated to build a community in that area. They will start gathering people, and the miracle will commence.
Our deep desire is God’s beautiful plan.
A teenager’s words disturbed me: “My brother wanted me to stop meeting my friends because they were smoking and using drugs, but our love and friendship are so genuine, and I will not abandon them.” Every individual has a profound desire for friendship and community, as we are created in the image of the Holy Trinity. When Christians fail to foster a sense of community, others will step in to attract people, even with harmful intentions.
Pope John Paul II expressed it powerfully: “To make the Church the home and the school of communion: that is the great challenge facing us . . . if we wish to be faithful to God's plan and respond to the world's deepest yearnings” (Novo Millennio Ineunte, 43). Everyone desires friendship, celebration, and joyful moments together. God’s plan aligns with this, as shown in the life of the Holy Trinity: to create a loving community among us.
In Jesus Youth, we believe that a major issue today is that people struggle to find appealing communities. Therefore, all our efforts should focus on creating joyful and loving communities that strive to actively live in Jesus.
What kills a community?
Materialistic spirituality: Many people come to Jesus and prayer groups solely for personal benefits. This may be acceptable for beginners, but the group will stagnate if it does not progress towards building fellowship.
Project mentality: Like Martha, spirituality for some is focused on activities. These doers often overlook the beauty of building relationships.
Forgetting our roots: St. Paul reminds us that if we forget love, everything else is in vain. (1 Cor 13:1) Many groups neglect to build relationships and focus solely on studying or saying prayers.
Building walls: The sin of selfishness manifests in various ways. Some individuals avoid joining any group, while others, even after forming a group, resist connecting with other groups. In Jesus Youth, we encourage groups and ministries to connect.
Refusing to grow: There are various stages of growth for individuals and groups. A group matures by listening to the Spirit, understanding the changes, and moving forward.
The Pillars of a Good Jesus Youth Community
God’s love and mutual affection together foster a community. The triple focus of a good JY group is: 1) encouraging each individual in their faith journey, 2) cultivating a culture of caring, sharing, and belonging, and 3) promoting missionary initiatives.
What are the essential ingredients of such a group? The Six Pillars of JY apply here as Well.
1. We regularly experience God’s love in prayer and group adoration.
2. Reflecting on and sharing God’s Word fuels growth.
3. Active sacramental life is essential, especially connecting with the parish.
4. Joyful community building occurs through interactions, light moments, care, and food.
5. Everyone is encouraged to bear witness to the Good News in their life situations.
6. Jesus is particularly present among the poor; a community should remember this.
When asked about Jesus Youth, Archbishop Thomas Menamparabil highlighted its two characteristics: “non-competitive leadership” and “non-threatening evangelization.” Experts don’t build community; humble and simple disciples do. A significant enemy of community building is arrogance and self-importance. A community nurtures people in love and humility. With this humility and readiness to serve, a good Jesus Youth invites others to come and grow together in Jesus. This is the proper Jesus Youth mode of evangelization. It is very simple but undoubtedly quite effective.
Topics:
Nurturing habits
Six Pillars of JY Groups
Killing Community
Attitudes of a Community Builder
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