The fifth group who need signs of hope are the young. To look at this group I am dividing n.12 into sections to reflect on what it says:
“Signs of hope are also needed by those who are the very embodiment of hope, namely, the young. Sadly, they often see their dreams and aspirations frustrated. We must not disappoint them, for the future depends on their enthusiasm. It is gratifying to see the energy they demonstrate, for example, by rolling up their sleeves and volunteering to help when disasters strike and people are in need.”
Pope Francis sees the young as ‘the embodiment of hope’ and it is a great way to describe them. With their lives ahead of them they hope for different things in the future that they face. One area that we hear described very often as being one that we should work hard at because our actions could make a difference for those who come after us is climate change. Quoting Pope Francis, ‘we must not disappoint them’. The enthusiasm of the young seems, at times, to have no bounds. It can inspire all of us who are not so young to look afresh at things. They ‘roll up their sleeves’ and get involved in disasters. How many young people reached out to help in Midleton the time of the flooding. That is only one example of the myriad ways that they stand up for what is right and good and help. On the Lourdes pilgrimage every year there is a group of young helpers who travel with the Diocese. Many of them not knowing what to expect, very quickly recognise what needs to be done and within a short space of time build up a great bond with the assisted pilgrim whom they are asked to help! And each of you can see ways that many examples can be given.
Seeing the young people in the Alpha Youth Group at the moment and the way they are approaching it is a great experience. The first night as the different groups were settling into place a couple of ‘ice-breakers’ were used and between then and the end of that first session you could see them engaging in discussion and sharing their views on different things and opening up to a new way of talking about and expressing themselves in relation to faith and the adults present as helpers felt the same in response to that. We hope that the young will see their dreams come true while also realising that in Jesus they have a guide and friend to help them.