We Adore
Back in November, I had the privilege of taking a group of youth from my parish to the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, IN. If you’re unfamiliar with NCYC, it’s a three day conference that gathers thousands of teenagers from across the country to one place to celebrate our faith, connect with others who are dealing with the same struggles of being a Catholic high school youth, as well as get the opportunity to dive deeper into their faith.
NCYC has always been one of my favorite experiences as a youth minister. To see thousands of teenagers celebrating the Mass or receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, coming back on fire in their relationship with Christ. Getting to take my first group of youth from my new parish family was nothing short of amazing. I got to know my young people, both in who they are and their faith, as well as shower them with God’s love and mercy.
There is one specific story from NCYC this year that in these days of darkness I want to share. On the second night, the entire conference in Lucas Oil Stadium participates in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Literally, in the moments of quiet, you can hear a pin drop in the stadium, as all eyes are focused on Our Lord. All of the sudden during a moment where praise music was being sung, I watched as hundreds of youth began to make their way to the foot of the stage to kneel at the feet of Christ. They were moved so much that they literally wanted to get as close as they possibly could. I began to cry as I watched these young people surrendering their hearts in Adoration of Our Lord. In that moment, they got it, the True Presence of Our Lord in the Eucharist. The vulnerability, the desire, the ache to lay down whatever burdens they had been carrying, in an act that required them to physically get up and leave their seats, was so incredible to witness.
Over the last few weeks I, like many of us, have had to figure out how to work from home and connect virtually to the people we serve. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us to “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” I share this story from NCYC with you today to remind you that even in this time we can still turn our hearts over to Christ. Let us be like these young people in their desire to lay it all down. Even while separated physically, God is always near and waiting for us to come to Him in prayer and supplication. His love is there and waiting for us to surrender our burdens over to Him.
I miss seeing the young people of my church and my heart aches for the eighth graders and Seniors who are struggling with missing out on the traditions of these final years they have worked so hard to get to. I am praying for our young people during this time of uncertainty. All I can do is to turn it over to God, stay home, and stay safe.
God Bless
*Photo courtesy of the National Catholic Youth Conference Facebook Page*
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