Reflections on Jesus Youth (BJRE***)

Cooking in Jesus Youth: with recipes or without? (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2022) “This is the ultimate time-saver. You choose a dish from the list and specify the number of servings. They will provide all the ingredients in precise measurements, individually packed, and detailed cooking instructions. Even the salt, meat, curry leaves, and all other items come in small packets. Cooking becomes effortless; follow the guidance and savor a wonderful dinner.” This new ‘meal prep kits’ business is gaining popularity in several countries. Sophy elaborated on the benefits: no shopping required, no waste, and access to experts who can advise you on delicious and healthy meals. Among all the others listening to Sophy, Ann was the most restless and interjected, “Nooo! I hate this recipe approach, and what’s more, they prescribe everything. There is a great feeling when you prepare your own dinner, experimenting with something new each time and replacing the old dish...

 Learning to stand on the shoulders of elders (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2022) “What, in your opinion, is the crisis of youth leadership today?” a young man posed during the post-dinner open session. This was a weekend training for Jesus Youth student leaders from various universities. “Most of them never learn to ‘stand on the shoulders of giants,’ as the saying goes. Consequently, they either remain too small or start strong and fall away. “ Immature overconfidence One unforgettable instance involved Peter. He attended a youth seminar, had a profound experience, and was eager to reach out. After a couple of follow-up meetings, he vanished. Of course, he was ‘doing the work of the Lord’ alone while his less talented friends remained regulars in the group. I met Peter a few years later and found him in a very shallow spiritual state. I learned he was utterly lost in a world in which he was unprepared to make a difference. The disconnect took a toll on ...

 We need young people who are ‘restless’ for their peers (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2022) The last weekend of June 1986 was quite extraordinary. About a hundred college students from all over Kerala gathered at Sacred Heart College, Thevara, to join hands for a change on college campuses. This gathering became a significant first step in the movement's history, creating a new platform to connect activities on college campuses. “When I went to my college to get the admission form,” Santhosh from Trivandrum enthusiastically shared, “as I climbed the steep flights of steps, I prayed, ‘Lord, if I get admitted here, let it be to bring many to you. ' " Sony, an engineering student from Kothamangalam, discussed her struggles to start a group in her college. Treasa from Trichur spoke about the support from the sisters that made student gatherings possible at her college. This continued. Many of these students expressed their deep desire to help other ...

  The joy of eating together builds community.  (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2021) “One of my unforgettable memories is our after-meeting Dosa fellowship.” We had this online gathering to celebrate the 45th anniversary of our prayer group, and several people recalled the unforgettable eating sessions in the group. One secret to the intimacy and continuity of our joy-filled fellowship was certain food-related rituals we practiced. The Dosa fellowship was one such ritual. On Wednesday evenings, after prayer and fellowship time, many would gather at a nearby restaurant. That Dosa-eating time provided an opportunity to connect with one another in a deeply personal way. Even decades later, most people cherished those joyful memories. Occasionally, Nishi and Augustine would bring snacks for the group so that those coming directly from colleges and offices could grab a quick bite and drink before prayer began. Special celebrations like birthdays were anoth...

Path of Francis: transforming the world through simplicity and beauty (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2021) “Can I share with you something that troubles me so much?” The phone call was from an active youth from a distant city. I thought he was going to share some personal tragedy. But he started pouring out his concerns about so many Catholic young people growing in anger against other religious groups and taking up the big mission of spreading messages of anger and fear. This virus is spreading, and it appears that very influential people in the Church are also encouraging this mission of spreading ‘fear and hate.’  This launched us into a discussion and sharing. I tried to lift his troubled heart and encourage him, and our thoughts moved on to St Francis of Assisi, his times, and his response to the problems of this day.  A warrior alone, but with God Francis lived in a small town in Italy during a troubled time in history. He was born into a wealth...

 When a Jesus Youth shows interest in politics (By Dr. Edward Edezhath - Published in Kairos Magazine in 2024) A few years back, I attended a marriage reception. A young woman approached me and introduced herself. “I am Mary. I was very regular in your prayer group during my college days.” Now, she is a mother of three and busy with life. “I want to tell you something. Will you be upset?” I didn’t know how to respond and just smiled. “A few years back, when you were a candidate in the elections to the parliament, all your cotton ‘khadar’ shirts were stitched at my shop.”  My thoughts went back to those hectic days of campaigning. “Your wife came to my shop and gave me the clothing material and measurements for your shirts. After she left, I told my girls to stitch the shirts except the buttons. I personally stitched all your shirt buttons, praying fervently throughout that time that you would fail in the elections.” Both of us laughed. “Your prayer group and the teachings and ...

We need joyful, messy places to build a culture of love. (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2023) We visited this family. The house was so gracefully arranged, and I commented, “So beautiful! Everything so tastefully set!” But the young Shalini’s response was quite surprising. "Imagine the torture of growing up in such a well-ordered home!" is too much order the biggest enemy of freedom, love, and growth? I think Jesus loved open spaces. Some of his teachings were in synagogues, but most activities were near the seashore, hillside, crowded places, or ordinary homes. This must have been quite unusual. Even today, people don’t think of such places for important teachings.  I think Our Lord opted for these ordinary, messy settings even for his birth and death because that is nearer to most people's real life. They were scenes of chaos and confusion, but his love, mercy, and divine presence worked marvelous miracles. Are we scared of messiness? From the ...