I have been meditating on what is going on around us in the world. Seems like we are lock patterns of violence and hate. It could make us loose hope or make us think that God has deserted us. Yet, because of our Baptism, we have been made a new, a new creation in the image of Christ. We have received the light of the world and are Christ our Lord calls us to be this light:
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” Mt 5, 13-16.
In times when darkness seems to be surrounding us, when hope seems to be evading our hearts, seems that we need to remind ourselves that you and I are called to be this light. You and I are called to shine and that our good deeds are the ones that are going to bring forth peace and justice to the world. I have heard many people talk about the state of young people today, they usually do it in a negative way, unfortunately. Although there are people that choose to succumb to the darkness of evil in their hearts, this is not who young people are. Young people are the hope of a tomorrow that is bright and full of hope.
The documents of Vatican Second in the Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, Pope Paul VI stated: “The apostolate of the Church and of all its members is primarily designed to manifest Christ's message by words and deeds and to communicate His grace to the world.” No. 6 You belong to a Church whose mandates is to proclaim the message of Christ presence in the world. Wherever you are. In everything we do we are invited to give witness. In words and deeds. Charity is the ultimate way of proclaiming what we believe. When we serve those around us is when we can communicate to the world that hope is alive.
Young people with ingenuity can bring hope to places and people that otherwise would never go inside a Temple, yet God through your actions that give witness of His love and compassion can be present. In a world that is afflicted with fear, we can go and bring light and assurance that we are not alone. That there is a greater calling and a greater purpose. This is what Pope Francis calls being a Missionary Disciple. Living our Baptismal calling out loud so all can see and glorify God through our actions. So, let’s not fall into the temptation that all is lost, yet let’s take courage and go and be his presence in the world that we live in.
I leave you with this song from one of my favorite artist, Joe Melendrez. Let the Holy Spirit take a hold of your life.
Meditato
Take a moment and meditate on your daily routine. Are you taking time to share your dreams with God in your daily prayer? Are you afraid that if you do, He might tell you that you are wrong?
Take a moment during the day and share your dreams in prayer with the Lord.
Ask Him to open your eyes and ears so you can see Him.
Tell Him that you are ready to live your Adventure of faith. Where does that lead you to? Where should you go?
Be ready to give witness of your love for the Lord as you share His love and presence by serving those around you.
If you belong to a young adult group, invite them to keep an open eye, ear and heart and share the following week on how God allowed to see their dreams. Also ask them to share how their adventure is going.
Let us Pray:
I invite you to put yourself in a spirit of Prayer. . Breathe and imagine that you are before the Lord our God
Loving Father, You have bestowed upon each of us unique gifts and placed in our hearts a deep desire to serve. Inspired by your goodness, we prepare ourselves to offer our hands and feet, hearts and minds, to you. From bustling cities to rural farmland,
From sandy beaches to snow-covered mountains,
You have called us from every corner of the world.
Help us to use our unique gifts to listen, accompany and serve others, wherever we may be led. Amen.
You can pray an Our Father and a Hail Mary slowly breathing between sentences.
Finish by asking for the needs of your family, your friends. For the Holy Father and his intention for the month of September: so "we all will make courageous choices, the choices necessary for a simple and environmentally sustainable lifestyle, taking inspiration from our young people who are resolutely committed to this".:
Pray for Bishops, priests, men and women religious. So that the Lord will fill you with joy. We end by asking Our Lady, a model of charity, to cover us with her mantle and pray for us so that we may be generous; and through the intercession of our patron saints: Saint Gema Galgani, Saint Joselito, Blessed Chiara Badano and Blessed Carlo Acutis.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.