Last week we looked at the signs of hope found in our young people. Pope Francis also makes us aware of the severe problems that can affect some of our young people: “Yet it is sad to see young people who are without hope, who face an uncertain and unpromising future, who lack employment or job security, or realistic prospects after finishing school. Without the hope that their dreams can come true, they will inevitably grow discouraged and listless. Escaping into drugs, risk-taking and the pursuit of momentary pleasure does greater harm to them in particular, since it closes them to life’s beauty and richness, and can lead to depression and even self-destructive actions.”
There are many people in our world who prey on the vulnerability of our young people and take advantage of them. the pope asks us to be aware of that and says that during this year we the Church should be inspired to reach out to the young people who may be suffering in different ways.
“For this reason, the Jubilee should inspire the Church to make greater efforts to reach out to them. With renewed passion, let us demonstrate care and concern for adolescents, students and young couples, the rising generation. Let us draw close to the young, for they are the joy and hope of the Church and of the world!”
Let us be conscious of the great joy and sense of hope that our young people can bring to us and also aware of those who, in different ways, suffer pain and anxiety. May we do all we can to encourage them and help them find peace and hope in the community of faith that we have.