We should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ

We should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ. 

In a recent study, researchers interviewed American Christian youth, both Catholic and non-Catholic.   The data indicated that although they called themselves Christians, many of the young people didn’t really grasp the essential truths of Christianity.   They believed that God exists, but that he is far off and removed from their daily lives.   They believed that God exists mainly to help them to become “better people.”   In short, their answers revealed great confusion about their faith—almost like a cloud over their minds.

The First Letter of John was written in a time of a similar lack of clarity.   Christians from many different backgrounds held different views about the identity of Jesus.   Many disputed whether he could be both fully human and fully divine.   Some wanted to place more of an emphasis on Jesus’ spiritual nature, hoping to avoid having to change the way they lived in this physical world.   The author of 1 John wrote this letter to address these disagreements.   He reminded them of the simple heart of Christianity:  to believe that Jesus, the Son of God, became man for our salvation.

Similar to the first-century Christians, young people today can find themselves adrift.   They may have gotten out of the habit of going to Sunday Mass.   They may feel disillusioned and doubt that there is a place for them in the Church.   Or perhaps their pursuit of career or family crowds out time for God.   Still, God loves them, and he is always ready to welcome them and embrace them.   But who will be his ambassadors?

Maybe it’s you.   Every one of us can help, even if it’s in just a small way.   You can point your children or grandchildren toward Jesus by the way you love and care for your family.   You can help make arrangements for your children or grandchildren to attend Vacation Bible School.   Maybe there’s a teenager you know who needs a listening ear and a guiding voice.   Even if you don’t have much interaction with young people, you can still help.   Never underestimate the power of intercessory prayer.

Who knows?   You just may be the one whose prayers help part the clouds of confusion and encourage someone to take a step closer to Jesus!

Word Among Us