ADJ Recap - A Shepherd and Several Ninjas

The Amigos de Jesus youth group met for its regular session on Friday, May 13 in the Hope Room at Annunciation Catholic Church. It was a smaller session, as the first few summer sessions tend to be. It gave the group a wonderful opportunity to reflect in a personal way on the message of Sunday's Gospel.

The session began with a brief reflection on Our Lady of Fatima, whose feast was celebrated that day. Br. Joseph reminded the youth that 94 years ago on the same day, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three children in the tiny village of Fatima, Portugal. She told them that many souls go to hell because there is no one to pray for them. She asked the children to pray the Rosary every day and to consecrate themselves to her Immaculate Heart. They were to spread this message to the whole world.

Following the opening prayer, the youth went outside for a game of Ninja. Br. Joseph and Br. Anthony also took part. Br. Joseph did not win any of the contests - mainly because it was his first time playing and he was not adequately informed of the rules! Nevertheless, he did come in third place one time. As you can see from the photo below however, Br. Anthony was all business...

After several games of Ninja, the youth returned the Hope Room where they read the Gospel for that Sunday. In John's Gospel, Jesus says that he is the good shepherd and that his followers recognize his voice and follow him. There are, however, false shepherds who seek to lead the people of God into darkness. The youth reflected on what Jesus might have meant with these words and how they applied to their lives. 

Many of the youth reflected that the false shepherds were the desires that seemed good at first, but ended up leading us away from God and away from peace. These desires appeared like they would make us happy, but they always left us worse off. It was actually in following the voice of Christ that we find true joy and peace. 

The session ended a bit early - so that the youth could continue playing more Ninja! The next ADJ session will be next Friday, May 20 in the Hope Room at Annunciation Catholic Church.

Also, please keep the youth who have recently been confirmed in your prayers. This is a difficult time for them, when they will have to begin attending Mass and participating in the parish community on their own. Now more than ever before they will hear the voice of false shepherds seeking to lead them away from Jesus. Pray for them to Our Lady of Fatima, that they may follow the voice of Christ and be strong in their Christian faith.

God's peace,

Br. Joseph