I always shiver a little whenever anyone says, “The future of the Church is in good hands.” Do I agree? Yes. But define 'future.' Usually, when people make this statement they are referring to the youth, specifically teenagers. The issue is that by claiming they are the future, it implies that their power to make a difference - to change the world - is yet to happen. In reality, the future is now, here, at this moment.
I’ve personally been blessed to be a witness to numerous times where teenagers have impacted the church. I’ve watched their lives transform. Because of their strong faith, I’ve seen them bring their entire family back to the church. I’ve seen them introduce their friends to Christ. I’ve witnessed them change the entire parish.
Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe - in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. 1 Timothy 4:12
The youth of the Church has the ability, determination, and power to change the Church. Many people struggle with the word change, but I promise it’s a change for the better. No, you can’t, and no one should, change the Mass, Sacraments, etc. But the people can be changed. We, the people, are the Church. The Church is constantly changing and growing. If someone or something stopped growing and evolving it would die. The Church lives because it has been evolving and changing since the first apostles. People need to understand that having a relationship with God goes beyond just going to Mass on Sundays or placing spare change in the basket. It’s much more than that and the youth today understand that. They have the power to spread the Gospel message. We all do and we can learn a thing or two from the younger generation.
“The same power that conquered the grave lives in me. Your love that rescued the earth lives in me.” -You Are Here (Same Power), Hillsong London
The above are powerful lyrics. I don’t think any of us realize that we have that power. Our power comes from Christ, the same Christ that rose from the dead and conquered the grave. He’s entrusted that power to us to further His kingdom and the youth of the Church utilize that power give to them. We can learn from the youth of the Church to believe in that power and to utilize it.
Often we’re scared to use the gifts that God has blessed us with, but why? Because we could fail? God doesn’t fail. Yes, we may have a had set back here or there, or we may get rejected by someone, but fail? We can’t because God has already won the victory over death.
If there is someone in your life, active in the church and who has a relationship with God, let him or her in. Talk to them. Listen to them. And most importantly pray with them. If there is someone you know who has fallen away from the Church, invite him or her back, and build a relationship with him or her. You’ll be amazed at how God works through you. The future of the Church is now and you have the power to be a part of it.
