Choosing Eternity With Each Step

The Amigos de Jesus youth group began its regular session in the main room of the Loretto House gathered around a large Divine Mercy image. Kneeling before the image, the youth recited the chaplet of Divine Mercy for the mother of former youth director Gabriela Jacobo, who passed away on Saturday morning.

Following the prayers, the youth headed out to the courtyard for a game of two-man, back-to-back balloon racing. Hands clasped and ankles joined together, the pairs raced clumsily across the courtyard grass. At the end of their dash a balloon full of white flour was placed between the backs of the teammates. The goal was for them to get the balloon back to the other side without popping it and blasting white flour all over themselves. Unfortunately, most were successful.

After the dynamic, the group adjourned to the Hope Room where Br. Joseph led them in a reflection on Sunday's Gospel from Luke. In the Gospel, the rich man's life decisions end him up in hell while the poor Lazarus' choices find him happy in heaven. The youth looked at how each one of our choices has consequences, not just for the world around us, but for our own spiritual state. Each choice we make, big or small is like a step we take, big or small, towards joy in heaven or misery in hell.

Concluding the reflection, Br. Joseph read the group Pope Benedict XVI's letter to the youth of Great Britian, written only a week before. In the letter, the Holy Father reminded young people that they were made in the image of God, to receive love and to give themselves in love to others. The Pope said: "Giving love, pure and generous love, is the fruit of a daily decision. Every day we have to choose to love, and this requires help, the help that comes from Christ, from prayer and from the wisdom found in his word, and from the grace which he bestows on us in the sacraments of his Church."

At this point in the session Alejandra arrived and the youth returned to the courtyard for a surprise activity - "Cooler Diving" or "Bobbing for Napkins" (It didn't actually have a name). The youth, suspended by their community dipped their head into a cooler filled with water and pulled out a bound napkein with their teeth. Everyone got wet, except for Br. Joseph, who wisely chose to take photos instead.

The session concluded in the Hope Room with prayer and cookies. A group photo of the group was taken before departing. On the next day, Saturday, several youth helped in leading the activities with the Confirmation students.

God's peace,
Br. Joseph