Fall Fun & Looking at Conversion

It was a cool October evening as the youth group met for its regular session on Friday, October 29. The chilly weather and fading daylight have forced the Amigos de Jesus back into the Hope Room for their Friday gatherings. As usual, the session began with the recitation of the Rosary, the youth sitting in candlelight before a statue of Our Lady of Fatima and praying in both English and Spanish.

Following the opening prayers, the group headed out into the cool evening air for a very physical activity. The first part of the activity required the youth to hop in trash bags to the finish line and dart under a low rope. This was fun to watch! The second part of the activity involved finding a way for each team member to touch a colored marker high on the brick wall outside the Hope Room. Ultimately, it could only be down with the help of the other youth. The activities reinforced the need for the community in our journey of faith.

Br. Joseph then spoke to the group about Sunday's Gospel in which Jesus calls to Zacchaeus, telling him to come down from the tree and dine with him. It is an important Gospel for us, Brother said, because it reveals the steps of conversion. First, Jesus comes us. He does not wait until we seek him out. God's grace is always prior to our acting. Secondly, Jesus calls to Zacchaeus, the hated sinner, while he is hiding in a tree. Jesus does not wait until we are loveable in order to love us. Jesus us loves us as we are. His love reaches out to us in our brokenness and sin and reveals a depth of merciful love. Thirdly, Jesus awaits a response. Zacchaeus had a choice to make, as do each one of us. We can remain in the tree and allow Jesus to pass us by, or we can climb down and run to him. The end of the story reveals the final step in this initial conversion, the change of life. Zacchaeus promises to give back whatever he has taken and to follow Christ. Our conversion too, if genuine, must be marked by a real change in our behavior, attitudes, and life decisions.

After the reflection, the youth broke up into their two discussion groups for reflection and faith-sharing. Br. Joseph's group reflected on the Gospel and then looked at a recent news article detailing the story of a miraculous healing. Alejandra's group reflected on their own life situations, especially their difficulties and struggles. There was some very powerful and emotional sharing during this session.

The youth reconvened in the Hope Room around 7:30 pm for announcements and refreshments. Thanks to Alicia and Sochi for the lemon cake and to Kim for the very chewy apple sour suckers.

Special thanks to Anahy and Kim for showing up on Saturday for the door-to-door visitation and evangelization ministry with Br. Anthony. In addition to the homes visited, the group also made a special trip to visit a parishioner in assisted living care. It was a very moving and powerful visit.

The youth group met for a special gathering on October 30: pizza and a movie. Although it was intended to be a quasi-Halloween party, the youth elected to watch The Passion of the Christ over any horror movies. Br. Joseph and Alejandra were quite edified. 

God's peace,

Br. Joseph