Jesus Youth Movement & More

Let the River Flow Jesus Youth Reflection: February 2020 Then he brought me back to the door of the temple; and behold, water was issuing from below the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east); and the water was flowing down from below the south end of the threshold of the temple, south of the altar. Then he brought me out by way of the north gate, and led me round on the outside to the outer gate, that faces toward the east; and the water was coming out on the south side. Going on eastward with a line in his hand, the man measured a thousand cubits, and then led me through the water; and it was ankle-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water; and it was knee-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water; and it was up to the loins. Again he measured a thousand, and it was a river that I could not pass through, for the water had risen; it was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be passed through. Ez 47:1-...

Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God. 1 John 4:7 Jesus Youth Monthly Reflection: July 2021 Sanyasi was eager to grow in perfection. He viewed the little attachments of the world around with utmost contempt. So, he withdrew from all to pray by himself. . . . One day, little Vasanthi came near, sat with him. There awakened in him a pure, mysterious love. She then went away. . . . Now he started seeing everything around him in a new light. His life was transformed. In the little attachments of those around, he could see the varied forms of love giving meaning and depth. (Sanyasi, meaning an ascetic or hermit, and Vasanthi are characters in Tagore’s play ‘Sanyasi’) In the heart of every man and woman there is a yearning for love. Love in its varied forms stirs up our hearts. Jesus renewed and perfected this call to love. Moreover, he became the best model of love and strongly challenged us to lead a life rich in love. Further, he continues to give every person, thirsty for...

  Test Yourselves. Do You not realize that Jesus Christ is in You (2 Cor. 13:5) Jesus Youth Monthly Reflection: September 2022 There are many types of tests that we are familiar with: laboratory tests, intelligence or general knowledge tests, school tests, and so on. In this passage, St. Paul proposes one test that can help us determine how we are growing as Christians. Occasionally, we must look inward to find out if we are firm in our faith. A growing realization about the indwelling presence of Jesus is proof of our spiritual progress. If we are moving forward in this realization, we succeed in the test.  The life of St. Augustine of Hippo (354 to 430 AD) is a vivid depiction of an intense journey of search for the Lord. He searched everywhere and finally, he was led to his own heart. This search is described in the Jesus Youth Prayer number 3 by the saint himself: “You were within me, but I was outside, and it was there that I searched for you. In my unloveliness, I plunge...

Be Careful Lest the Light in you be Darkness (Lk. 11:35)  Jesus Youth Monthly Reflection: August 2023 A group was discussing the qualities of outstanding leadership. They mentioned dedication, clarity of vision, hard work, skill to gather followers, and so on. Next, they tried to identify great world leaders who displayed these qualities. They began with  Jesus, Gandhi, Lincoln, Mother Teresa, and then someone mentioned Hitler. The others burst out laughing, but he persisted. Why not? Was he not a leader, though he  killed hundreds of thousands?  Now let us examine the verse cited above. Jesus’ reference to light that is darkness would have baffled many. We can imagine a lamp that emits bright, dim, and even red or blue light. But how can there be a lamp that gives forth dark light? On reflection,  however, the Lord’s message becomes clear and challenging. We realise that just as we can radiate joy and love we can also disburse discouragement and hatred. We coul...