When I was 17 years old, I journeyed on a religious pilgrimage to the Holy Land in Israel. I traced the steps of Jesus, whom God sent on a mission to transform and redeem the world from within. In a few weeks, we’ll celebrate the Lord’s Ascension into heaven, marking His mission on earth complete. Then we celebrate Pentecost…it’s up to us to spend the rest of our days giving back our live to Jesus.

There is no doubt in my mind that God sent me on a mission to transform and redeem the world in my own small way. Yes, I am blessed that I followed my calling to minister to youth. As a teenager, I suffered, sacrificed, stumbled, fell, picked myself up, trusted, and listened long enough to respond to my call. I had no idea what I was doing. All I knew was by taking opportunities to serve, it made my heart feel good from within. In college, I was confused as to “what I wanted to be when I grew up.” So, I just started taking a sampling of courses: Public Speaking, Outdoor Education, Bible Studies, Counseling, and miraculously…without rhyme or reason, I put together a perfect background for being a Youth Minister!

On Friday, we’re heading to Warwick, New York on top of a beautiful mountain for our Confirmation Antioch Retreat. Some people are intimidated by teenagers. I’m not. Each of them longs to love and be loved. I dealt with my own self-image issues as a teen, grew up in an alcoholic family, was surrounded by drugs among my peers and had financial problems in a family of seven. I found Jesus in my parish Youth Group and from that moment on, I’ve been one of His disciples. He equipped me with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit that I need. Our Confirmation candidates have value and gifts and talents. They yearn to be needed. My prayer is that they continue to serve our Lord, even when everyone is tapping into their time and energy.

As I live the truth and live a life of love, Jesus is preparing our dwelling place in heaven. Someday, when my mission is complete, I will be called to paradise. For “I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.”
 

In Christ,