‘I love you’

By Steven Polley

Director, Office of Youth Ministry and Religious Education

For any of us, as we reflect on this headline, any number of things could come to mind. All of us in some way have told others that we love them. A very common statement that says so much, has so much meaning, and yes, a very powerful, uplifting thing to hear.

But too, as we hear from someone that they love us, we can at times question the meaning behind it. I sometimes wonder what our youth think when they hear an adult or myself tell them that we love them. Do they simply think that we are just saying it, and that there is no meaning behind it? I don’t know.

But as we celebrate this Trinity Sunday, I was drawn to the commentary from "The Word Among Us":

"It’s only when we connect with the Holy Spirit that we come to appreciate the one word that most clearly describes our Triune God: love. Love is the reason why God creates. Love is the reason why Jesus saved us. Love is the reason why the Holy Spirit has chosen to live in our hearts and mold us into the image of Christ. And love is the reason why God will never give up on us."

Love is the reason I remain in this ministry. Love is the reason there are so many dedicated adults willing to give that little extra for our youth. And yes, love -- our love for the Triune God and the Eucharist -- is why we continue to invite and encourage all youth to move to a deeper relationship with our risen Lord. Love is the reason why we tell our young people that we love them. What more can there be?

I believe too that as our young people enjoy the time away from school and the many activities of summer, that we can use this time to bring them to a better understanding of God’s love for them. The beauty of summer is one of God’s greatest creations, and a creation that we can use to help our young people better recognize God’s love for them.

So, I invite you to take extra time this summer to let our young people know that you genuinely care for them. Tell them and witness to them the love you have for them. We can also use next weekend, the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, to journey even further with our youth. The Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. What a wonderful faith we celebrate; lets continue to celebrate it with all of our young people.