The ‘Eyes have it,’ Part II

In Part I of this series, I spoke of the number of times I relate youth ministry to the thoughts, words and actions of Peter. Yes, he was impulsive, but Christ still saw enough in him to say, "you are the rock, and on this rock I will build my church." But what about some of Peter’s impulsive thoughts and youth ministry?

Let’s begin with the Transfiguration. There they were on the mountain. Jesus’ face was shining like the sun, and his clothes were dazzling white, and the three disciples saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus. So what did Peter do? He said, "This is pretty cool, let us build three tents." Many times in youth ministry, we find that this is where our young people are. They attend a TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) weekend, a rally, camp, or NCYC (National Catholic Youth Conference) and they find that the experience they have had, has placed them on a natural high. They are feeling very good about their experience and their relationship with God.

Our youth say just what Peter said, "This is cool, I don’t want to go home." When Peter said, let’s build three tents, Jesus looked at him with those same eyes, same love and compassion that we read about in the last column, and said, "Oh no, it is time to get down off this mountain and go to work. It is time to put your faith into action."

But as we read on in the scripture, Jesus also told the three disciples not to tell anyone about this vision. Again, we can come back to youth ministry. We have to believe that as those three disciples came down off the mountain, the other nine disciples immediately approached them and asked, "What happened up there"? Isn’t this what our faith and youth ministry is all about? We should be celebrating and practicing a faith, putting it into action, and creating an environment that makes all people ask, "You seem so alive and on fire; what is happening, and can I be a part of it?"

Being part of it is one of the biggest things that led me to this ministry and keeps me moving forward as I work with the people of our diocese. Each year I enjoy taking part in each of the Triduum celebrations. Holy Thursday Mass is always special, as again I marvel in the love and compassion that is given during the washing of the feet. Of course, this brings us back to another one of Peter’s impulsive comments: "Lord, do not wash only my feet, then! Wash my hands and head, too!" And of course with the love and compassion again found in the eyes and glance of Christ, he tells Peter and the Disciples, "I, your Lord and Teacher, have just washed your feet. You, then, should wash one another’s feet."

So here I am, thinking about the Transfiguration and the Washing of the Feet, and thinking about how Peter, so easily stuck his foot in his mouth, and how Jesus simply with a glance and words of love and compassion drew Peter back to reality. Jesus invited and instructed the disciples to go forth and to make a difference.

As Director of Youth Ministry, I extend to you this same invitation, to continue going forth by encouraging and inviting our young people to become even more involved in their ministry to the Church. With a simple, loving invitation, encourage them to get off the mountain and get more involved, and wash one another’s feet, through service and ministry to others. Through this our young people will find a marvelous reward given to them by God. Not only will their reward be great in heaven, it will be great here on earth.