"Prepare the way of the Lord!" cries St. John the Baptizer from the banks of the River Jordan. St. John exhorted his people, Israel, to change their ways, to turn-around, to undergo an inner conversion so they would be ready for the Messiah when he finally came. Many heeded his call and were baptized in that river. They allowed the water to cover them, killing their old habits and making room for new ways, aligned with the peace, justice and mercy their God demanded. From there they were turned in a new direction, cleaned off by a river that is at once life-giving and treacherous.
Those who followed John actually witnessed the moment when the skies were "torn open" and a voice boomed "You are my son; with you I am well pleased" after Jesus' own baptism. At our last Middle School Youth Group, we took this event as our inspiration for the evening- the Baptism of the Lord. It's very fortunate that this celebration occurs as we transition from Christmastime back to the regularity of Ordinary Time. The fact that God Himself, in Christ, wished to join us in Baptism is a strong indicator of how important this practice is to our Creator. We gain a new nature in baptism, the perfect,
clean nature that Jesus brought with him to Earth. By following God's example of baptism, we start the work necessary to join Christ in heaven with His Father.
And so, we reminded our middle schoolers, it is important to remind ourselves often of this great gift of a unstained nature! The new year is a natural time to look closely at ourselves and evaluate the cleanliness of our lives and behavior. Does our lifestyle live up to the new nature we were given at baptism? Perhaps looking back at the last year with its ups and downs, its blessings and challenges, will show us how we can honor the gift of baptism better in the coming year.
We thought about our grades, our habits, our favorite activities and our least favorite things to do. We looked closely at how our relationships with our parents, brothers, sisters, teachers, friends and coaches changed and developed over the last year. Then we asked about the most important relationship of all- our relationship with God. All of our kids took some time to look back at how they've messed up or what bad habits they might have. Our response to mistakes and fights is not only to apologize but to change our ways. So, our evening of reflection and sharing culminated in "turning over a new leaf" for the new year. Just like we go through a big cleaning process at baptism to turn over a new nature, we can do through smaller process each year, resolving to change one bad habit in favor of a good one. Those who had trouble getting along with their parents resolved to show their affection more often. Some who received many detentions decided to talk less in class.
I am very proud of the willingness and creativity our middle schoolers show in confronting behaviors they know they can improve upon. As we make changes for a new year in our youth ministry program for St. Jude's and St. John's, I think we should keep in mind the effort our students put into all they do outside of youth upgroup. I'm pleased just to be able to meet them and hear how they think and act. I will follow their examples by looking for creative solutions to my bad habits. One 6th grader took the initiative to even leave our small group to find her mother (on the other side of the room) and tell her how much she loves and appreciates her. If only the rest of us could show such affection toward those we love!
Many blessings for a happy New Year!
