Youth Power Wasted Or Channelised

The young people are at the post-adolescence stage want to become psychologically autonomous by trying to affirm their self. More precisely, they all have need to be themselves and to stand back, in order to assess their education and social influences. The young people might be relatively integrated socially in their studies or professional life, whereas some of them might be in precarious professional and personal situations: unemployment, psychological instability ,disruptive behavior and numerous life problems. They often express a desire to become more confident in themselves, and they wish to free themselves if doubts regarding existence and to lose their fear of the idea of emotional commitment. They sometimes feel awkward about it.

Most of them are relatively detached from religious concerns and they often acknowledge that they have not been informed or educated in this respect. Religion is attractive, but at the same time , it is a cause of concern when it is represented as a source of conflict in the world.

Young people today are a just like that of previous generations: they are capable of generosity, solidarity and loyalty when faced with causes that motivate them. However, they have a weaker sense of belonging than their elders had. They are individualistic and they want to make their own choices without holding to any systems of values, ideas or common laws. Young people instead of saying, “ I think therefore I am “, they, through their behavior say, “ I have feelings, therefore I am reassured”. They have weak points, but they are still receptive, ready to help and generous. They seek authentic relationships and are in search of truth.
On the contrary, the impact of economic model presented by Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization ( LPG), of changes in marriage unions and families, the impact of music, television, cinema and the internet, all influence and standardize juvenile mentality considerably in most countries.

The above paragraphs will certainly give a notion that irrespective of their demographic qualities they still want to be differently able in today’s context. Hence they affirm with a positive note that they can win utilizing their “POWER”. But one begins to pause the following question: Is youth power exhausted and wasted ?. If no, then , will they find meaning in the modern world which is so highly competitive ,lavishly consumeristic and assumingly power grazy. We might agree their stand because they want to contribute their worth to the community. To bell the cat for the herculean task, they have to make GOD AN ENTITY IN THEIR LIFE. Thus , well- thought & meaningful life, prosperity and happiness becomes the will ‘o’ the whisp reality for the youth. Now the young people will ask a remarkable question, when and where can they find happiness. The answer to the above question is that we can find happiness only in the total communion with GOD through PRAYER which today the youth feels unwanted and irrelevant reality in their life. If they are strong in Prayer, they can’t be manipulated by politics, media, music , television, cinema and the internet. Therefore their power is not wasted but channelized .

To sustain God’s power in young people’s life, from a pastoral view point, it is important to ask a question, how often are we going to Temple , Church and Mosque ?. The young should join their parents, and the parents join their children, in going to religious places frequently , and often as the religions call us all to pray. As I said earlier that every young person should go to religious places and allow their own Gods to be a part of their lives. The lives of the saints, and the martyrs of the different religions also , are spiritual guides for all and precisely for the young to follow. I must humbly remind you too, that the first Church , temple and Mosque is the home . Once again, I confidently say the only answer to these questions --- we have the true meaning of life in our own God. The happenings in the world for more than a decade around us answers the question” what is the meaning of life “, with “ nothing “. As the members of different religions, we can answer the question with -- “ God “. Today , the youth should reap maximum advantage from all the animation programs, Bhajan, Keerthans, religious dialogue and prayer meetings conducted by the different religions.

Let me now most humbly share with you this prayer . Youth may find the ways and means to express heartfelt forgiveness and kindness towards their fellow students.
Almighty and Gracious God,
Our youth cry out to You as your children,
And we humbly turn to you in prayer,
That we may not sin towards our brothers or sisters,
And bring inner wrath with our souls by provoking
Either hatred , or mistrust towards one another.
We seek the guidance of your commandments,
Harmony with our families and our friends.
O All – merciful Lord, Who loves us all, help us,
And guide us to truly give and receive compassion,
And deliver us from the evils that may tempt us!
Grand us Your inner peace and watch over us ,
Guiding us always with Your Right Hand and
Protecting us under the shelter of your Holy Spirit.
Enlighten us as we pray to you in the illuminating light of the Holy Gospel.
Warm our hearts with Your Grace that we may humbly
Glorify Your Name, of the Trinitarian Gods
Now and ever and unto the ages of ages .