Truth of the Spirit with Patti Brunner shares “Focus on the Youth” #7 of the Stepping Stones to the Fullness of Christ series. Patti Brunner shares advice she received from the Lord for the evangelization of young Christians then looks to Sacred Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church to see how the Church supports the importance of young Christians. For audio and video links or to read the blog of the script please continue reading.
I can remember watching a skit showing older people considering younger people and asking themselves, “What is it about the kids of today?” They recognized the lack of wisdom in the young people. They didn’t like the music or the hair styles or the clothes. They were concerned about their manners and lack of respect. Then the skit showed the younger people growing up and having the same discussion about the next generation. I guess it’s my turn to be concerned. Is what I sense today only perspective? Times certainly seem to have drastically changed since I was young. Or are we in a long-term generational downward spiral?
Welcome to Truth of the Spirit. On this episode our Stepping Stones to the Fullness of Christ turns us to Focus on the Youth[i]. One bright spot is that in our parish there is a number of young mothers who are seeking to learn more about God and their faith. Through study, encouragement and witnessing they are noticing the importance of guiding their children in faith from a very young age. Praise God!
In various places around the world Catholic Churches are emptying out and closing their doors. Why have the younger generations not taken root in their rich heritage of faith? Why are so many couples living together before marriage? Why does profanity, blaspheming, and immorality seem to be common in media? How have we as a Christian society dropped the ball in bringing up our children and opened the door to the proliferation of agnostics and atheists? Consider your own faith training when you were young. What would you continue or change? Did your children and grandchildren get the same or better faith training? How do we impart our faith to the next generation? My children got better faith training than my husband did but not as good as I did. Why not? Personally, I was at a loss until the Lord showed me the way of truth. Let me share something the Lord said to me and then we will visit the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Sacred Scripture.
The Lord said this: “My child, part of the understanding that is needed is that a child of reason—yes especially teens who seem to lack reason—are not infants to be fed milk. Step up the quality of the information that is given them. Christianity is not ‘keep your room clean’ or ‘do your chores’. These are part of family and community. The focus for the youth must give them the reasons to stand firm in their faith even when faced with death, persecution, or ridicule. The enemy invades their culture with lies; truth will set them free. Waiting for adult development delays the training necessary much sooner as they are challenged and tempted.
The Lord said that “Unwanted pregnancies would disappear or be greatly reduced if the youth learned early about the theology of the body and the Presence of God within the people they meet. Children need to know the importance of prayer and evangelization so as to catechize the lost, especially those within their own families.” The Lord said to me, “Teach a child the way to go and he will follow Me. Teach respect for authority—especially the authority of God. Teach respect for the name of God and he will not blaspheme. Teach respect for others and chastity will be his guide. Teach the Word of God in the scripture and he will be comforted and encouraged even in times of distress. Share the promises of the Lord and he will be filled with hope. These things are available for all who seek my face; they should be mandatory for children to learn in their formative years.”
The Lord said, “As Moses led the children out of Egypt the elders were ‘tainted’ by living around the worship of false gods. In the time in the desert the children were raised without these influences and thus grew in truth and in wisdom. The culture of the world is much worse than during the times of the reign of the Pharaohs.” The Lord said, “The home must be like the time in the desert for your children. Limit the influence of media, language, and disrespect. Step up to be role models of respect and love. Teach your children to obey and love the Lord. Speak truth not fantasy. Prepare them.”
Praise God for these simple solutions. We parents and grandparents need to stand up against the culture of death and immorality and lead our children and grandchildren to the Promised Land. It starts with prayer. It continues in faith with example. Start today. The youth of our Church are part of the Body of Christ. They are important. Jesus tells us of their importance in Sacred Scripture.
In the Gospel of Mark Chapter 9:35-37 Jesus “sat down and called the twelve; and he said to them, “If any one would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 And he took a child, and put him in the midst of them; and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”” RSV
Later Jesus said, Mark Chapter 10:14-16 “14a “Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands upon them.” RSV
Jesus is not telling us to act childishly petty to get what we want. He is calling us to the docility of depending on God like children depend on their parents to provide for them. He is calling us to trust what He says the same way a young child believes that parents and teachers speak the truth. It is more important to teach the fullness of truth about our faith to our children than it is to teach them how to ride a bike and throw a ball. When we teach our children to be totally self-sufficient, so that they can succeed in the world, perhaps we are keeping them from the ability to surrender to God in faith. When Jesus says “whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it” Jesus teaches us to have “a humble and trusting heart” that Catechism #2785 tells us enables us “to turn and become like children: for it is to “little children” that the Father is revealed.”
Jesus calls children to his side as he teaches in the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 18:1-4 “1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me; 6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” RSV
What life examples do you share with children? What choices are you making that leads them to do as you do?
Scripture points out that children have gifts to offer if we look for them. As Jesus preached to the great multitude in the Gospel of John Chapter 6:8-10 “8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, 9 “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what are they among so many? 10 Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place; so the men sat down, in number about five thousand.” Sometimes we overlook the gifts that children can bring to benefit the family and the Christian community. I know many stories of families that became stronger in their own faith because they made the effort to raise their children in the faith by making their First Communion, or teaching them their prayers, or taking them to mass.
Children can identify God to others. In the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 21:15 “When the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that Jesus did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant”. How often have you recognized the Lord and shouted for joy? How often have you recognized the joy of the Lord in the smile of a child?
I used to think that our children would know God by osmosis; the problem is that there is not a strong Christian saturation in most homes and schools. Perhaps, if we do not train children in Christianity and encourage their relationship with the Lord, they will rise up against you as in the prophecy of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark Chapter 13:12-13, He said, “12 And brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; 13 and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” This terrifying prophecy has happened in the past more than once even in my lifetime.
Jesus did not leave children out of his ministry. He made a point to heal children. In the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 15:27-28 the Canaanite mother said, “”Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.”
In the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 17:14-18 we hear of another parent that doesn’t take no for an answer for their child. “15 “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; for often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. 16 And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him.” 17 And Jesus answered, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.” 18 And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly.” RSV
Have you taken “no” for an answer when bringing your children to Jesus? Do you laugh at the idea of Jesus raising them up to share his salvation with the world?
Jesus shows the importance of a child and the faith of the parents as he raises a child back to life. The Gospel of Mark Chapter 5:39-42 says, “39 And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why do you make a tumult and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.” 40 And they laughed at him.” They laughed at Jesus! “But he put them all outside, and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Tal’itha cu’mi”; which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 And immediately the girl got up and walked (she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.” Have you ever wondered the rest of the story of these children of miracles?
The Church needs the wisdom of the aged and the vitality of the youth. As we dig into the history and the teachings of the Catholic Church we find that the eternal youth of the Church was addressed by the Popes.
In the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church of Vatican Council II our magisterium gave us LUMEN GENTIUM. In the first chapter, “The Mystery of the Church” it says, “4. When the work which the Father gave the Son to do on earth (9) was accomplished, the Holy Spirit was sent on the day of Pentecost in order that He might continually sanctify the Church, and thus, all those who believe would have access through Christ in one Spirit to the Father.(10) He is the Spirit of Life, a fountain of water springing up to life eternal…(16) By the power of the Gospel He makes the Church keep the freshness of youth.”[ii]
The Catechism of the Catholic Church points out the importance of family prayer. It is important to each member of the family!
Catechism Paragraph #2685 tells us, “The Christian family is the first place of education in prayer. Based on the sacrament of marriage, the family is the “domestic church” where God’s children learn to pray “as the Church” and to persevere in prayer. For young children in particular, daily family prayer is the first witness of the Church’s living memory as awakened patiently by the Holy Spirit.”
Catechism Paragraph #1655 reminds us, “Christ chose to be born and grow up in the bosom of the holy family of Joseph and Mary. The Church is nothing other than “the family of God.” From the beginning, the core of the Church was often constituted by those who had become believers “together with all [their] household.” When they were converted, they desired that “their whole household” should also be saved. These families who became believers were islands of Christian life in an unbelieving world.”
Is your family an island of Christian life? In an unbelieving world?
Catechism Paragraph #2226 directs us when it says, “Education in the faith by the parents should begin in the child’s earliest years. This already happens when family members help one another to grow in faith by the witness of a Christian life in keeping with the Gospel. Family catechesis precedes, accompanies, and enriches other forms of instruction in the faith. Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their vocation as children of God. The parish is the Eucharistic community and the heart of the liturgical life of Christian families; it is a privileged place for the catechesis of children and parents.”
Catechism Paragraph #2227 points out, “Children in turn contribute to the growth in holiness of their parents. Each and everyone should be generous and tireless in forgiving one another for offenses, quarrels, injustices, and neglect. Mutual affection suggests this. The charity of Christ demands it.”
In addition to the Gospel, Sacred Scripture helps us to focus on the youth today. It speaks of youthful prophets and disciples. Paul wrote two letters to Timothy who was a young disciple that was given a role of leadership in a Christian Community because of his docility to the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul writes in 1 Timothy Chapter 4: 11-16, “11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, attend to the public reading of scripture, to preaching, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the council of elders laid their hands upon you. 15 Practice these duties; devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Take heed to yourself and to your teaching; hold to that, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. “
In the Old Testament God chose the child Jeremiah to be his prophet. Jeremiah wrote part of his story in Jeremiah Chapter 1:4-10 “4 ‘Now the word of the LORD came to me saying, 5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” 6 Then I said, [Jeremiah said] “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” 7 But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. 8 Be not afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD.” 9 Then the LORD put forth his hand and touched my mouth; and the LORD said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.” “
The Lord wanted the people to remember their love and zeal for the Lord when they were younger. Jeremiah Chapter 2:1-2 says, “1 The word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2 “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem, Thus says the LORD, I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed me in the wilderness, in a land not sown.
Another great prophet who was called as a child was Samuel. Samuel eventually anointed the first two kings of Israel, King Saul and King David. 1 Samuel Chapter 3:1-4 tells the story of his calling, “1 Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD under Eli. And the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision. At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim, so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place; 3 the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down within the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the LORD called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!” ” Does the word of the Lord seem rare in our days? Are our children ministering to the Lord?
Moses set down God’s instructions to the people of God in the Book of Deuteronomy. God told them to teach their children; He continues to tell us to teach our children. In Deuteronomy Chapter 4: 9 it is written,”Take care and be earnestly on your guard not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live, but teach them to your children and to your children’s children.” In Deuteronomy Chapter 11:18 it is written,”Therefore, take these words of mine into your heart and soul. Bind them at your wrist as a sign, and let them be a pendant on your forehead. 19 Teach them to your children, speaking of them at home and abroad, whether you are busy or at rest. 20 And write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates.” Write them on your mirrors! Put them on your refrigerators!
How do we impart our faith to the next generation? What do we share? How to we share it? Begin by imitating the positive influences that others have had on you. What was your spiritual formation as a youth? Identify your relationship with Jesus as strong or weak. Who led you to this relationship? What had the greatest effect on your spiritual life? What effect did your parents, friends, school, church have on your faith’s strength and weaknesses? What would you change about your own spiritual upbringing? Make a commitment to imitate success. Make a commitment not to imitate the weakness.
What advice do you have for the next generation? What advice do you have for their parents? What advice do you have for the church concerning the youth? What are the opportunities for youth ministry in your parish beyond the domestic Church of the home? Since you are still listening, I commend you for seeking basics needed to share the faith. Growing in faith is a life-long event. It doesn’t end when we receive the Sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation.
Evangelism starts in the home. More than 90% of Christians are evangelized by family and friends. Make a commitment to family prayer. What can you and others do now to strengthen your faith or the faith of our youth? Please continue to pray for our youth. Pray for their parents and teachers. And be docile to the Holy Spirit as he calls each of you to step out in faith to focus on the youth.
Please, pray with me: Heavenly Father, help us to understand our role in evangelizing the next generation. Forgive our reluctance to step out in faith. Fill us with your gift of bold proclamation. Strengthen us to be good silent and verbal witnesses to our faith in Jesus Christ. We pray for the next generation. Bless them, dear Father. And do not allow our weakness to keep them from your kingdom. Amen.
You have been listening to Truth of the Spirit. I’m Patti Brunner. This has been #7 of the Stepping Stones to the Fullness of Christ Focus on the Youth. You can read the script of this episode at PatriarchMinistries.com/185. You can find the whole series on a playlist on our free YouTube channel. To access our channel, just click on our icon in the description. Our next episode of the series will be “Trapping Good Feelings and Expelling the Bad. How Spiritual Battle Affects Our Lives.” Besure and subscribe with notification so you don’t miss it! Because there is more! With the Holy Spirit there’s always more!
[i] Stepping Stones to the Fullness of Christ Leaders Guide by Patti Brunner
[ii] Dogmatic Constitution on the Church Vatican Council II LUMEN GENTIUM
Chapter I The Mystery of the Church
4. When the work which the Father gave the Son to do on earth (9) was accomplished, the Holy Spirit was sent on the day of Pentecost in order that He might continually sanctify the Church, and thus, all those who believe would have access through Christ in one Spirit to the Father.(10) He is the Spirit of Life, a fountain of water springing up to life eternal.(11) To men, dead in sin, the Father gives life through Him, until, in Christ, He brings to life their mortal bodies.(12) The Spirit dwells in the Church and in the hearts of the faithful, as in a temple.(13) In them He prays on their behalf and bears witness to the fact that they are adopted sons.(14) The Church, which the Spirit guides in way of all truth(15) and which He unified in communion and in works of ministry, He both equips and directs with hierarchical and charismatic gifts and adorns with His fruits.(16) By the power of the Gospel He makes the Church keep the freshness of youth. Uninterruptedly He renews it and leads it to perfect union with its Spouse. (3) The Spirit and the Bride both say to Jesus, the Lord, “Come!”(17) Thus, the Church has been seen as “a people made one with the unity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
