JESUS YOUTH | KAIROS GLOBAL | FEBRUARY 2021

Author: Dr Edward Edezhath

Growth is all about continuity and new beginning.

There is a group activity that I try out during leadership training sessions. I would ask the group to move around in silence and form clusters of similar people. It is interesting to then watch how the group reacts. Some would start quickly, but then slow down. Some would wait and watch for a while and then go about with a plan. Some others bring together different clusters. In brief, among us there are eager starters as well as faithful continuers. The challenge is, how to combine both these aspects in personal life as well as in our groups so that a balanced growth would be possible. 

Starters Vs. Those who hold on

When in 1978 Fr. Fio asked the Kerala Charismatic Team to gather young people in our state, youth groups had already been quite active in many other states. Those early starters could boast of efficient leadership and colourful activities, but we were quite tentative and small. However, what stood out in our initiative was a simple affection for one another along with uninterrupted continuity. A few decades went by and then when we looked around many early starters were no longer on the scene while the humble yet continuous journey amidst us had branched out well with a name and was bearing abundant fruits. 

So we come to an important question: What is central to Jesus Youth fruitfulness? In a way at the heart of it there is a balancing between two very important aspects: promoting Spirit-endowed creative initiatives and ensuring their continuity. But there is a problem. When a group grows big and journeys through long periods of time, those who come into leadership would focus on continuity and may fear new beginnings. But the younger generation may want what is new and different. The hard thing is to balance the two, as someone said: ‘change without continuity is chaos, but continuity without change is sloth – and very risky.’

When people ask me to talk about Jesus Youth movement, I naturally speak about different ministries, groups or other Jesus youth ‘goodies’ that have grown and spread. Surely, they are the good work of so many people moved by the Spirit. But there is another less discussed Jesus Youth list: things started in a big way but given up halfway. Some of them, like youth groups in different cities, talent projects, media initiatives, work for the poor, all began so beautifully with a lot of creativity but had an abrupt demise. I am sure those were responses to some felt need and launched with much groundwork. But after a few gatherings, some visits or a few media episodes there came up some hurdles and finally each of them had an abrupt ending. 

I am happy about the many things that have continued and as a result produced good fruits. On the other hand, I feel a little sad about the many things started well but dried up on the way. If only they could continue! Surely perseverance or steadfastness is a wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit that the Lord wants to cultivate in all of us. So, the big question is, how to make sure that what you begin will continue and grow? 

Ensuring continuity and growth

Well begun is half done, but to build an initiative into maturity and help it bear rich fruits is a special art and a virtue. Here are some thoughts on seeing a seed of good work grow into a strong tree.

• Look farther – We start many good things responding to needs and problems here and now. Thus seeing many needy youth in a parish we start a group there. But only when we see an enduring need or challenges of youth in different places, continuity and growth become possible.  Perhaps this is what the Bible means when it urges us repeatedly, ‘Lift up your eyes and see’ (Is 49:18; Jn 4:35).

  
  

•  Weather the dry-spell – After starting some projects most of us lose the initial interest. Our friends also may slowly disappear. Gradually monotony, boredom and a feeling of stagnation can adversely affect the smooth functioning of what we start. The big challenge is to steadily move forward during these lean times. 

  
  

• Using changes for growth – Change is inevitable. But to respond to it creatively one has to attend to the promptings of the Spirit and mend ways accordingly. So, if we are attentive to the Spirit all unexpected turns in our way including big persecutions can become occasions for growth. 

  
  

• Combining diverse styles and approaches – ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ Skill for starting something is quite distinct from the skill needed to build up the same and hence the need for a hand-in-hand approach. And so also the importance of having some clash of ideas and conflict of styles. Prophet Isaiah compares God’s family as a place where all animals live in peace (11:6-9). But, of course, for this you need much tolerance and ‘love for the enemy’. 

  
  

• Search, study and discuss – For the smart beginnings to continue, grow and bear fruit we should be aware of good models from other times and other places; occasionally analyse different aspects and those interested should gather and discuss. This is how future plans take shape.

  
  

• Readiness to die makes new life possible – There is an opportune moment to end something, for a leader to vacate and give place to others and to uproot something to replant elsewhere. Real continuity is possible only if a grain of wheat falls and dies.

  
  

So, in a way the real continuity is all about ensuring uninterrupted and continuous change and growth. This becomes the true work of the Spirit in our personal lives as well as in the forward march of Jesus Youth movement.