We are called to be a joyful people, filled with

enthusiasm, passion, and vigor. Often from the first

weeks and months of our Jesus Youth journey, we

are ushered into creative activity, missions,

ministries, and even leadership. Rightly so. For,

springs of inner vitality surge naturally from a

person who just encountered Jesus and who is now

eager to live for him. Still, these springs do not flow

on just as naturally. Gradual disenchantment

through quarrels and failures leads to a quiet

cynicism or a self-deceiving and unrealistic

optimism. Here, the voices tell us to flee like a bird,

to find safety in stepping back. After all, the world

being as it is, the Church being as it is, my

community being as it is, what can really be done?

“Foundations once destroyed, what can the just

do?” (Ps 11)

The despairing soul thinks, “I did what I could. I

tried.” It looks out at all the injustice, all the political

games being played, all the fakeness of others, and

so comforts itself by distancing itself. It hides away

in a protective cell of criticism. The false optimist,

on the other hand, flees into the world of dreams

and great visions. In this world, one does not need

to confront the hard facts of actual life or the

struggle of faithful and daily commitment.

Perhaps of all the schemes of the evil one (Eph

6:11), discouragement of these kinds is the most

deadly for believers, a silent killer. It allows one to

maintain one’s faith pristinely, even to profess it

boldly. All the while, the person unconsciously

resigns to the sidelines of life, no longer daring to

make a difference in the world or in one’s local

community.

Today, I ask myself: What is my involvement in my

local communities? Am I engaged in the ministries

around me, in the initiatives, in Christian fellowship?

Am I connected with my neighbors or local forms of

government or social cooperation? If not, why not?

“Foundations once destroyed, what can the just

do?” Simply put, the just can act. The just must act!

When something disturbs my conscience, when the

present state of affairs stirs up indignation in my

soul, such is not the time to flee but to act with

greater love and courage. To hide behind endless

commentary or intangible dreams does not resolve

the inner movement of my conscience; it only

represses it and yields a numbing despair, an inner

paralysis. The beautiful excitement, joy, and

enthusiasm of Jesus Youth can only surpass

naivete and discouragement as it is inflamed daily

by the intensity and breadth of the Holy Spirit’s fire.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and

enkindle in them the fire of Thy love. By the grace of

the Holy Spirit, let us recommit ourselves to

courageous engagement.