It is 26th September 2020. We celebrate the memorial of Cosmas and Damian, martyrs. The readings are from Ecclesiastes 11:9-12, 8; and the Gospel from Luke 9:43-45.
Youth is a time of growth and development in all levels including spiritual. It is indeed the springtime, care-free and the most prime time of our lives.
The first reading teaches us, “Remember your creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come.” (Eccl.12:1). The Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Christus Vivit of The Holy Father Francis to Young People and to the Entire People Of God invites us to consider: No.73. “Many young people are taken in by ideologies, used and exploited as cannon fodder or a strike force to destroy, terrify or ridicule others. Worse yet, many of them end up as individualists, hostile and distrustful of others; in this way, they become an easy target for the brutal and destructive strategies of political groups or economic powers.” Holy Father invites the youth No.108. “being young is not only about pursuing fleeting pleasures and superficial achievements. If the years of your youth are to serve their purpose in life, they must be a time of generous commitment, whole-hearted dedication, and sacrifices that are difficult but ultimately fruitful.” As the first reading reminds the purpose of the youth, so the Exhortation to youth encourages them in No.107. “You can become what God your Creator knows you are, if only you realize that you are called to something greater. Ask the help of the Holy Spirit and confidently aim for the great goal of holiness. In this way, you will not be a photocopy. You will be fully yourself.”
It is not enough that we relate to so many people, but we need to have the connection with God during the time of youth to sustain the droughts of the adulthood. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of Godin Christ Jesus our Lord” (Roman 8:38-39).
The responsorial Psalm praises, “In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.” (Ps.90:1).
The Gospel continues to encourage us to know Jesus more. Unless we begin to explain the mysteries connected with the sufferings of Jesus while children are growing up, it will be difficult for them to find meaning in their personal life struggles in the future. May the Lord help us to lead our youth and to be a model after Jesus in loving God. Have a lovely day. May God bless all our youth to help them realise their worth to be truthful and reliable in everything they do. God bless you all.