BALTIMORE, Maryland, NOV. 14, 2007 (Zenit.org).- With the invitation, "Come join us in the adventure," U.S. bishops are encouraging teenagers to practice stewardship and form a close personal relationship with Christ.
The statement "Stewardship and Teenagers: The Challenge of Being a Disciple" was released today, after being approved by the bishops gathered in their fall general assembly, under way through Thursday in Baltimore.
"Living out the Gospel value of stewardship as a disciple means sharing your time, talents and treasures," the bishops wrote. "Why? Because everything you have to share is from God, and it is all meant for sharing.
"In baptism you were called to the common priesthood of Jesus Christ -- showing Christ's presence in the world; you were called to be a prophet -- speaking the truth courageously; and you were called to the kingly role of serving others lovingly. […] The Eucharist sustains you and gives you the strength to respond to this call even when you don't feel like responding!"
The bishops' statement continues: "Being a disciple, living out stewardship, cannot be done alone or without guidance. Jesus is your best friend and guide in this venture. You wouldn't go very long without talking to your best friend or spending time together. So it is with Jesus.
"Build a personal relationship with him through daily prayer and weekly participation in Mass or Divine Liturgy. Choose a time every day for prayer, by yourself or perhaps in front of the Blessed Sacrament. […] Go to confession on a regular basis, drawing upon the graces offered through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. If possible, attend the Eucharist more than once a week. Trust us! God is always there, waiting to hear from you and wanting you to know of his unconditional love for you."
The bishops encouraged teenagers to take advantage of their youth and serve others in charity.
"Stewardship is about acting for others," they wrote. "Discipleship is about doing for others and not counting the cost. Even the smallest act of kindness can bring joy and relief to another. You are in a unique position to reach out to your peers and share with them the unconditional love of God. Seize every opportunity to show them God's love through your random acts of kindness: an encouraging word, a pat on the back, a helpful hand."
The prelates concluded, saying that both Benedict XVI, like Pope John Paul II before him, has expressed the need for the Church to be "a Church for young people […] a Church that is not afraid to require much, after having given much; that does not fear asking from young people the effort of a noble and authentic adventure, such as that of following Christ. We, your bishops, are asking: Come join us in the adventure!"
ZE07111408 - 2007-11-14