I took some youth group students to attend a revival at a Catholic Church last night. This is a predominately African-American Catholic Church in Columbia. The theme was the Holy Spirit and the priest was energetic and made us all feel ownership in what he had to say. At one point during the evening he stood in the middle of the aisle about half-way down and asked each of us to tap each other on the shoulder and tell them "you need inspiration." He then mockingly reenacted for us our feeble and half-hearted attempts. At this point he turned to his left, and with a bear hug grabbed a man and after lifting him out of his pew, danced with him down the isle and toward the altar. What an incredible example for all of us!
As a youth leader during the past 12 years, I wonder if I have become like most of the revival crowd and have become too shy in inviting youth to allow themselves to be inspired by the Holy Spirit. I have never been one who likes hearing "no thank you," and whenever a youth shows no interest in our faith or in our youth group, I always take it as a personal rejection. Perhaps this is why over the last couple of years, I have had a harder time in inviting Catholic youth to join us. Last night the retreat leader that reminded us that when we are full of the Holy Spirit, we no longer let what others think or say about us stop us from proclaiming the faith.
The deeper issue here is not so much about our youth, but rather about me. Without inspiration, I have no hope of God using me to inspire others. Perhaps I need to return to today's Gospel reading (Matthew 7:7-12). I need to pray and go back to the door and invite Jesus to inspire me again - and do this every day! All of us, particularly our youth, have a deep longing to have someone tap us on the shoulder and invite us to be inspired. And wouldn't it be a shame if we gave up on them the first time they said no.
I thank God for my family, and the many priests, sisters, youth leaders and teachers whom have inspired me over the years. All they would want is for me to is to never give up, use their example, and invite others to share in the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus - even (and more importantly) when I don't feel worthy or able.
