In the experience of the young converge the greatest risks of poverty, the direst long-term consequences of the degradation of the environment, and the most vivid searches to find meaning and a way to God. But they are also those who see better the way of the future and may help us to understand the challenges of the present. And they are also a test of our authenticity of life.
1. As I begin my prayer, I ask for the Grace: of growing in ability to accompany the young.
2. Jesus welcomes the young and their searches.
The young man said to him, “All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to [the] poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Mt 19: 20-21)
And people were bringing children to him that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” (Mk 10: 13-15)
3. I let myself be challenged by the desires expressed in the third UAP.
“Young people, most of whom are poor, face enormous challenges in our world today, ... all of which make it difficult for them to find meaning in their lives and to draw closer to God.”
“By accompanying the young in this process, teaching them discernment and sharing with them the Good News of Jesus Christ, we can show them the way to God that passes through solidarity with human beings and the construction of a more just world.”
“To accompany young people demands of us authenticity of life, spiritual depth, and openness to sharing the life-mission that gives meaning to who we are and what we do. Having these, we can learn, along with the young, to find God in all things, and through our ministries and apostolates, we can help them live this stage of their lives more profoundly. Accompanying young people puts us on the path of personal, communitarian, and institutional conversion.”
- What is my level of openness to accompany young people?
- How could the accompaniment of young people challenge me to a more authentic life?
I consider these questions and talk about them with the Lord.
4. Following my prayer, I reread section C of Fr. General’s letter Feb. 2019 "To accompany the young in the creation of a hope-filled future" (pp. 4-5).