IF THAT FLAVOUR WAS LOST! | KAIROS GLOBAL | FEBRUARY 2024

Author: Dr Edward Edezhath

We were discussing leadership. ‘Our parish has two dozen family groups. Years back, when we started, there was much excitement, and many things were happening. But now it is different. Most of the leaders are sleepy. When a common meeting is convened, most of them are absent.’ A priest spoke up next. ‘You are talking of parish leaders, but our bishop often speaks of his struggle to get the priests to cooperate in the diocesan plans.’ 

A Jesus Youth coordinator also had a similar story to narrate. ‘We make plans together, but carrying them out becomes my responsibility. Getting a response to my emails is another big problem. What is more, even getting people to join coordinating teams has become so difficult nowadays.’

The grumbling about today’s Christian leadership continued. Sitting in their midst, my thoughts rambled on the biblical account of Moses complaining to God about irresponsible leaders as they journeyed from Egypt.  In Numbers chapter 11, he feels so lonely and upset that he tells the Lord, ‘If this continues like this, you better kill me’ (see v. 11).

We begin with bright hopes, but . . .

At the turn of the year, in our group, different people shared messages about how the Lord was starting something new and sending forth on a mission of mercy and joy. One shared a vision of a little stream, expanding and watering the whole land, as in Ezekiel 47. Let the streams of life flow out of you and transform everyone around you. Later, Sangeetha shared, ‘For me, good inspirations come when we gather and talk. Then, I begin something with much enthusiasm. But sadly, very soon find myself in the same old lazy spot.’

Listening to all this, I questioned myself: Do we have two phases in our leadership journey? One is youthful and enthusiastic, and the other is tired and burnt out. Many in early leadership are so driven by inspiration and enthusiasm. Later, they reach a tight spot and say, ‘Oh, I have seen it all. Nothing works,’ or they just fall into the rut and maintain an external appearance without real fervour. 

What kills our spiritual enthusiasm?

We all begin our leadership journey, as in the parable of the seeds. Most seeds start quite enthusiastically, but only a few are sustained. What are some of the factors that weaken or crush our zeal?

As days pass by: ‘What is your New Year's resolution?’ Binu responded, ‘That I will have none.’ Then he told me, ‘I know it would only be for a week.’ The enthusiasm we capture in a training programme dies out in a few days. 

Worries and greed: ‘When I took the big first step with the Lord, I was a youth. Later, I got carried away with a new job, starting a family and kids.   Life clamoured its needs. Often, I ran after them, finding no time for the Kingdom. Or worse still, those needs took the central stage of my life and prayer.’ 

Old sins return in a new form: I knew a young man whose big problem was his conflicts with his father. At a JY camp, he had a big transformation. He could love and forgive his father and everyone else. But later, his hurts and unforgiveness returned in a new garb. In the movement, he became active but had big issues with many of the main leaders.

Hurts and anger: Rini was so hurt by everyone in the group when her friend had a conflict with others. She was such a vibrant young leader, but a series of related events not only sent her out of active leadership; she even gave up her faith life. 

We can’t wear another’s shoes: Biju was among the most earnest and eager missionaries I met. Yet, a couple of years of spiritual formation rendered him too mature because he lacked freshness and initiative. He disappeared, and even his faith life must have eclipsed. Overtraining can cause foreign patterns endangering one’s unique spiritual enthusiasm.

Fan up the flame!

In our group, Augustine spoke about a blacksmith’s blower. This traditional tool has bellows and a handle. The worker gently blows out a steady flame, keeping the metal aglow as the work progresses. Continuity with balance, a spirituality not too intense but steadily burning, is the secret. 

Our challenge is living our missionary enthusiasm in this world of distraction and selfishness. There is every chance that we become cold, creating a spirituality lacking joy-filled love. As Jesus said, When wickedness is multiplied, most men's love will grow cold (Matthew 24:12). Our challenge is not to abandon the first love (Revelation 2:4) but to ‘fan into flame’ what God has gifted us (2 Timothy 1:6).

Fortunately for us, Jesus Youth is a good spot where there are enough models of continuing spiritual fervour in the face of numerous changes or discouragement.  Those people spread a special aroma wherever they go, the aroma of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:15). James put it so well in our group. ‘I tell myself to imitate Jesus and be like him. He met different people and faced various circumstances but was always available and resourceful. I, too, must be fully present wherever I am and, like Jesus, be ready to serve fully as I can.’

The Six Pillars for an Active JY

The core of spirituality and leadership is the capacity to look at the world and life not as everyone would see it but in radically new ways. You see daily challenges as opportunities for God to show forth his glory (John 9:3) through us and to build his Kingdom. In Jesus Youth, the six pillars are intended to promote helpful habits tailored for each one and all circumstances. 

How can I sustain a youthful and enthusiastic leadership journey? I take a daily quiet time to recapture my ‘first love’ and ‘fan into flame’ the Holy Spirit in me. A renewed inspiration of the Word should enrich this inflaming. Participation in sacramental life and daily enlivening of the memories of the Church keeps me focused on the historical Kingdom. Every day, in some way, I connect to the life of my JY community and culture to receive a fresh dose of enthusiasm. This should help me fulfil my Kingdom responsibility today through some participative activity. And finally, using my time, talent and resources, I reach out to the needy. Thus, keeping this fervour alive, I realise the name Jesus Youth.