Reflections on Jesus Youth (BJRE***)

  Stirring youth enthusiasm and sustaining it, the Jesus Youth way (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2021) “Today’s youth have a serious problem; most lack motivation. Almost nothing challenges them, and they live from one moment to the next.” We were discussing today’s youth. Educational experts had gathered to prepare input for a government-appointed commission. The team found Christian youth backward in comparison with other groups. Of course, many Christian educational institutions and organizations also plan youth programs, but most young people respond with growing apathy and boredom. In our group, many were asking how to evoke an enthusiastic response from our youth today.  What ails youth today! In my parish, the second Mass is for youth and children on Sundays. After the catechism class, they come and stand in groups. Mostly, the small ones are alive and active, but when I look at the middle schoolers upward, I see a particular expression on the...

Doubts and questions: youth need friendly places to raise them (By Dr. Edward Edezhath - Published in Kairos Magazine in 2021) “He has so many questions. Some are a bit too much for me. Could you spare some time?” Suma had been accompanying this youth for a few months and now needed further help. But my worry was, ‘Will he be open and comfortable with me?’ Fortunately, she arranged a Zoom call among the three of us. Doubts are a sure sign of growing up. Our faith journey is a winding path of joys, troubles, assurance, and doubt. Many young people are confused, especially during the initial phase of their interior pilgrimage. Remaining insensitive to them and, worse still, reacting to their questions with ridicule is truly heartless. On the other hand, it is important to ask where we have welcoming places for our youth to raise their questions and doubts.  In his encyclical ‘Faith and Reason’, St. John Paul II explains the importance of doubts and questioning. We receive traditions ...

Why is Jesus Youth not eager to organize competitions? (By Dr. Edward Edezhath - Published in Kairos Magazine in 2021) When I paused during the session, one young person said, “But why don’t we have competitions?”. This was during training for ‘Kids Companions’ or young JY who will reach out to children. Among the different things these youth can do, I mentioned teaching them some skills. Then, we started listing some possible skills. Naturally, the discussion went on to skill-related competitions. I said, “Competitions have a very limited scope, and they can also be damaging.” He questioned that. For many people, youth work means competition. The parish committee discussed, “Youth Day is coming. What should we do?” Gather the youth, have a talk, and then arrange competitions. Most will not be interested in the talk, but many will come to take part in the contests. And what items? Songs, dance, painting, memory skills, different sports items, etc. Then, have some prizes for the first, ...

Gifting Young People with Rich Memories (By Dr. Edward Edezhath - Published in Kairos Magazine in 2021) The art ministry team had its first meeting at Chavara Bhavan, Kainakary. When I tried to check how to go there, Google Maps said, “Can’t find a way there.” Later, I realized there was no direct way, as I had to cross the river in a private boat. This Jesus Youth coordinating team was having their first physical gathering after the long spell of COVID-induced isolation, and they had chosen an out-of-the-way place. I was wondering why they did that. But my trip there was so enjoyable and unforgettable that I understood why those youths chose that place. Every young person who spent the weekend would never forget that ‘first’ meeting.  Gifting of unforgettable memories “Your session is for this group of fresh youth,” Chackochan told me, briefing me on the forthcoming input. But you will have to talk as you walk with them through the forest over a riverbed. In between, you can sit o...

Temptations of some good Jesus Youth (By Edward Edezhath - Published in Kairos Magazine in 2021) “Pope John Paul II, while speaking on the mission of the laity, talks about two strong temptations that most modern lay Catholics could not overcome. What do you think these temptations would be?” In many discussion groups, I have raised this question.  They would respond by mentioning a variety of modern problems: running after pleasure or money; some speak of grabbing power; others raise issues of sexual misconduct, and so on. Then, I would take “Christifideles Laici” by the Pope and read from #2. Firstly, “the temptation of being so strongly interested in Church services and tasks that some fail to become actively engaged in their responsibilities in the professional, social, cultural and political world” and “the temptation of legitimizing the unwarranted separation of faith from life.” I often see that many of my listeners do not easily understand the big implications of what this ...

Growth is all about continuity and new beginnings. (By Dr. Edward Edezhath - Published in Kairos Magazine in 2021) There is a group activity that I try out during leadership training sessions. I would ask the group to move around silently and form clusters of similar people.  Then, it is interesting to watch how the group would react. Some would start quickly but then slow down. Some would wait and watch for a while and then go about with a plan. Some others bring together different clusters. In brief, among us, there are eager starters and faithful continuers. The challenge is, how to combine both these aspects in personal life and in our groups so that a balanced growth would be possible.  Starters Vs. those who hold on When, in 1978, Fr Fio asked the Kerala Charismatic Team to gather young people in our state, youth groups had already been quite active in many other states. Those early starters could boast of efficient leadership and colorful activities, but we were quite t...

Discussion groups are so special for Jesus Youth. (By Dr. Edward Edezhath - Published in Kairos Magazine in 2021) "Pope’s new encyclical has come. Some of us can gather online daily. Could you help us study it in detail?" The request came from a leader of a country.  But I said, “Mine will only be an animating presence. Every day, one person can briefly introduce the portion to be read that day; all would study that part, then come back the next day and discuss it.” That was the beginning of a four-week-long study, and it became an enriching formative journey for all of us.  Such discussion groups can be simple and interesting, yet a highly beneficial approach to study and formation. What are some of its advantages? Persons of different sociocultural and intellectual levels gather; everyone listens, and each one talks. In effect, it becomes a highly conducive ambiance for building up confidence and self-esteem in everyone. If youth get formed in such simple discussion groups,...