Put out into the deep - 2008 (BJMM019)

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Put out into the deep

Letter to Jesus Youth 23rd March 2008, India

At the heart of the Jesus Youth movement is its special call to offer a relevant spiritual response to the fast paced, constantly changing, multi-ethnic world of today. Such a response can proceed only from deep reflection and a clear discernment of the promptings of the Holy Spirit. In November 2007, we the members of the Jesus Youth International Team (JYIT) from different parts of the world gathered together in South India for such a time of prayer, reflection, discernment, fellowship and planning. For each one of us, it was a special time of sharing the marvelous deeds of the Lord, reflecting on the challenges of this age and seeking the will of the Lord for our movement in the present time [1]. And as the meeting drew to a close, the Jesus Youth pastors and leaders from different regions felt a great need to share these thoughts with the larger Jesus Youth community around the world. Thus arose the idea of this letter, a concise document that holds within it a series of reflections that would set the tone for our movement in the year ahead.

This Easter, as the universal Church celebrates the center point of our faith, we present these reflections to every Jesus Youth. We hope that these thoughts will spark off Spirit-led sharings, and discussions that will influence our individual lives, cells, prayer groups and initiatives.

1. A growing sense of hope

The youth that are involved in the Jesus Youth movement and those who come into contact with them tell the story of a fresh discovery of hope. Through the movement ordinary youth from diverse backgrounds receive a life changing experience of Jesus and are transformed into active Christians with a sense of mission in life. It is heartening to note that Church hierarchy and leaders of society often express a growing sense of hope and expectation about what the movement can offer to the Church and society. This expression of support and encouragement, especially from the Church hierarchy, while a source of much consolation, is also an awesome responsibility, calling us to be faithful to the guidance of the Church and to fulfil our duties as active players in the growth of the society around [2].

2. The response of the movement to the world around

Every Christian has a serious responsibility to reflect about and act upon the world around in the light of the Gospel [3]. The mystery of the Incarnation, and Passover, through which God has lovingly united the world and its history to himself, bequeath on every Christian the duty to work together for progress and peace in the world. As Jesus Youth is a missionary movement, we ought to be creative designers of peace by getting involved in the affairs of the world. Our movement, with its focus on youth, has a special duty to challenge young people not to make use of the groups and activities to withdraw into their comfort zones and escape from their duties and responsibilities, but to inspire and guide them to be responsible and loving neighbors [4]. This challenge is especially relevant in a fast changing, success-oriented culture where ‘personal achievement’ and ‘personal satisfaction’, both spiritual and material, often form the entire focus of one’s busy schedule. For many, even prayer life and personal spirituality are very much colored by this holy self-centeredness, often turning spirituality into a set of external exercises and pious activities that do not influence their lives or relationships in a deeper way.

3. A critique of contemporary values

The complex and powerful winds of progress and change that are sweeping across our communities are deeply affecting our attitudes and lifestyles. Enduring relationships and sustained commitments are being swept aside in the rapid pace of life. While the increase of wealth and material conveniences has made the youth financially more generous, independent and leisurely, the uncontrolled pursuit of money and material comfort has seriously affected the spiritual life of this generation [5]. Amassing wealth is gradually becoming the key purpose in life for many, and even prayer and spirituality become a means to this end. In fact, this tendency to create, package and market an over-simplified, instantly gratifying and painless spirituality is growing all around us. We need more young people who not only do not conform but can also challenge the values, motives and aspirations of the people around us. The Jesus Youth movement has a very significant role to play in exposing this mindset and in living a deeper Catholic spirituality.

4. Challenging ourselves to a deeper, personal relationship with Jesus

We often say that the most important aspect of our movement is ‘Jesus’ as our name ‘Jesus Youth’ suggests. Yet we must recognize that if we are not vigilant, there is always the danger of our spirituality getting reduced to certain programs, groups or gestures, which is why we propose an ‘itinerary of holiness’ to help youth walk with Jesus in their everyday lives. The practice of the ‘six pillars’, participation in cells and a steady recourse to spiritual guidance should support the nurturing of a fresh and dynamic relationship with the Lord. The core concern of the Jesus Youth movement is this ever renewing and ever widening personal walk with Jesus. There is an urgent need to challenge youth to renew and sustain their fidelity to this key element of Jesus Youth spirituality.

5. Formation in steadfastness

The contemporary culture of instant satisfaction, short attention span and the lack of an eternity perspective are definitely not conducive to ensuring continuity and developing rooted ness in life. Yet the movement believes that a lifestyle of steadiness and commitment is quite significant for fruitfulness [6]. As the movement has found active participation in cells to be a very effective means of providing support in one’s spiritual journey, the building up of cells becomes a very important responsibility of the leaders as well as the coordinating teams of Jesus Youth.

6. A lifestyle of openness and dialogue

Jesus Youth movement has always given emphasis to the divine commission to share the Good News of the Kingdom. The growing tendency to withdraw from the world around [7] is definitely a great enemy of an active lifestyle of sharing the Gospel. Jesus Youth have an inherent eagerness to welcome and dialogue with everyone they meet. In the midst of the pervading tendency of alienation and suspicion, Jesus Youth should take a special responsibility to seek all opportunities to collaborate with individuals and groups and not be inward looking or sectarian in their living situations – whether it is the Church or the wider society. We must follow the example of our Master who made friends with all kinds of people, even sinners and outcasts. While many express their concern over the ominous growth of violence and corruption, we should be more and more prepared and be open to join hands with other individuals and groups of goodwill and earnest dedication, to build a culture of tolerance and justice, where the seed of the Kingdom can be sown.

7. Centrality of the needy and the poor

A genuine Christ centered spirituality will naturally turn to the presence of the Master in the face of the hungry and thirsty [8]. This conscious option for the poor is also the true path of personal maturity and holiness. In a world where the chasm between the educated and the ordinary and the haves and the have-nots is fast widening, our movement has a prophetic role of challenging the world to respond to the cry of the needy [9]. The Biblical image of the “anavim Yahweh” or the humble of the Lord has a special place in the Kingdom. Setting apart thought, deeds and resources for the needy around us, going out to the poor; bringing the poor into our midst and adopting the lifestyle of the poor are ways in which the people of God respond to the commission of the Lord to bring good tidings to the afflicted [10]. Amidst the fast-growing affluence around us the Jesus Youth movement has a duty to challenge itself and the world at large to respond to the complex reality of the poor.

8. To be poor in spirit

Jesus Youth movement is noted for its joyfulness, informality and warmth. This simplicity of spirit is integral to sharing the message of Christ. While technology and imposing organizational structures that open doors to fast communication and visible witnessing in today’s world have been of advantage, aiding the growth of Jesus Youth internationally and bringing unity and strength to the movement, we need to guard against their coming in the way of accompanying people in Christ and building communities of fellowship and sharing. While Jesus Youth should share the Good News in the context of and with the help of modern culture, technology and styles, a conscious preference for simplicity and personal touch should continue to be the hallmark of the movement.

9. Focusing on migrants

Along with bases in campuses and universities, parishes and workplaces, Jesus Youth has also spread into the world in the context of modern facilities for travel and migration. The new generation is moving across the world for studies and career prospects. At the same time many others are forced to flee from their homestead for a variety of other reasons. People of God have a special regard for migrants [11] as it is a special responsibility and a great opportunity. The movement has already made some provision for attending to sections of migrants and it should renew its efforts to be a presence of joy and welcome to people on the move, such as students, job seekers, new city dwellers and those seeking refuge.

10. Building up of leadership

Spirituality is a constant call to deepening [12] and to greater love. Formation has a special place in the movement, but this spiritual seasoning should percolate to all levels of the movement. The Word of God and Biblical spirituality should find pride of place in the ongoing formation. This is especially relevant as the Church dedicates this year to reflection on the Word of God. Active Jesus Youth at all levels should be challenged to follow a guided path of deepening and commitment.

As we apply these reflections to our everyday lives, let us not forget that a follower of Christ lives with the consciousness of being part of the community God called and formed for Himself - with a special responsibility to make this great God known to those around [13]. We, the Jesus Youth pastors and leaders who represent groups from 19 countries around the world pray that this Easter season might be the right time for each one of us to reflect on our call, renew our lives and cast our nets into the deep.


[1] Lk. 12:56

[2] Lk 12:48

[3] Lk 12: 55,56

[4] Lk 10:29

[5] Lk 12:13-21; Mk 8: 36, 37

[6] Jn 15:5

[7] Mt. 28:19,20

[8] Mt. 25:35,40

[9] Ex. 3:7

[10] Isaiah 61:1-3

[11] Gen.12:1-3, Heb.13:14, Mt.2:13

[12] Lk. 5:4,5

[13] Isaiah 43:21


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