Nurturing Our Youth
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.how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. ~Matthew 23.37
The verse above comes to mind as we collectively celebrate Youth Sunday and Mother's Day.
Near the end of his earthly ministry, before his crucifixion, Jesus laments how his own people reject him as they have the prophets before him.As his sorrow deepens, Jesus’ maternal instincts kick in, and Good News springs forth. The initial rejection of Jesus impels him to offer eternal hospitality to every living creature. It is that forgiven world in which we now live and breathe and have our being.
As we celebrate Youth Ministry in the Spirit of Jesus at the Cathedral, we are empowered to “mother” young people among us. In doing so, we join other adults who regularly lavish love on the young in Sunday School and Youth Group ministry. Along with our graduating high school seniors, Alexis Andrews, Jane Donahoo, Turner Riggs, and Michelle Ramirez, please also recognize and thank our middle school educators, Jim Cox and Liesl Gavronsky, as well as Joe Kincart, Susan Rucker, and Susan Woods who lead our high school student classes. Those of us who serve in ministry with young people know especially well what a blessing they are to the Church. Is God calling you to consider serving in the youth ministry? Whatever your age, let’s talk. God bless you.
Love,
Fr. Allen