Truth and Authenticity
As a child, I remember thinking that life was progressing at a snail’s pace. Birthdays, holidays, and summers always seemed an eternity away. My adult years, however, could be characterized as a blur: time passing at the speed of light. My three kids are certainly not toddlers anymore; my 40th birthday has come and gone; and I, like most my age, have a fair share of worry.
As a child, I remember thinking that life was progressing at a snail’s pace. Birthdays, holidays, and summers always seemed an eternity away. My adult years, however, could be characterized as a blur: time passing at the speed of light. My three kids are certainly not toddlers anymore; my 40th birthday has come and gone; and I, like most my age, have a fair share of worry.
Needless to say, I am no longer a young adult, so this issue, which highlights youth and young adult ministry, was not only a challenge but, more importantly, a very edifying experience. Some say that age is only a number, but a person’s attained age brings with it certain qualities and gifts. Life experiences, or lack thereof, give each individual a unique perspective on life.
Today’s youth and young adults are unique, indeed, for they are navigating uncharted waters. In addition to the negative effects of social media, our young people are being besieged, sometimes aggressively, with ideas and beliefs which are the polar opposite of the Catholic Church’s teaching.
Luckily, an unexpected fruit of this distressing reality is a groundswell of desire amongst young people to actively and courageously pursue truth. Somehow they have been able to discern, or at least question, the authenticity of the secular world.
The pursuit for what is true and authentic became a recurring theme in this issue. In the cover story, Madison Jaubert’s journey, with its twists and turns, ultimately came full circle — back to knowing that truth can only be found in the One who made you. Vince Truitt, also featured in this issue, is an inspiration, for at the young age of 15, he has taken steps to center his life around the Lord, witnessing to his family, friends, and school community.
There are, no doubt, many more examples of young people in our diocese like Jaubert and Truitt, and as a mother, I find this comforting. While I pray that I have done my part in teaching my children the importance of a relationship with Christ, I realize they will soon spread their wings of independence. Where they find themselves will matter. Having an environment, such as a parish youth group or a campus ministry group, will give them a community in which to be courageous in their pursuit of truth.
Whether our life seems to be creeping by or flying by, our lives are all meant to be a pilgrimage to Heaven. It would be wise to take note of Blessed Carlo Acutis’ observation: “We are all born original, but many die as photocopies.” In other words, the Lord is calling us to be who He wants us to be, but in far too many circumstances, we allow ourselves to be molded by society. To be original is to know the truth. As our young people search for a relationship with the Lord, the entire Body of Christ need not ignore their journey. As Bishop Raica mentions in his column, young people are the Church right now, alongside their elders. The young have gifts, as do the not-so-young. The combination of these gifts will aid us all as we strive to be the originals we are called to be.