WORKS OF MERCY - RECLAIM - FOR MINISTERS

Our parishes and young adult ministries are called to be places of welcome and freedom for young people from all walks of life. Hopefully the members will all work together to make sure that no one who enters looking for community is met with judgement or condemnation. Jesus Himself gives us an example to follow by the many ways in Scripture that He pursues relationship with the sinners and outcasts of society. 

“Many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and His disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to His disciples, 'Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ He heard this and said, ‘Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’* I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.’” (Matt 9:10-13)

Jesus’ encounters with the sinful and outcast were always full of tenderness, but also calls to repentance. He loved them enough to welcome them but also too much to leave them in their imprisonment to sin. This is a delicate balance that parishes and ministries must learn to imitate. All young people should feel like they can approach God and His Church in whatever state of life or level of faith they possess. They should feel genuinely welcomed, listened to, and included. This type of love and community should then seamlessly lead the way to encouragement and support in overcoming any forms of sin or imprisonment that the young person struggles with. Sometimes our parishes and ministries must first “earn the right to be heard” by a young person who is wary and suffering, but with Christ’s help this is totally possible. He desires the freedom of His children more than anything, and He promises to equip His Church and her ministers to be missionaries of His mercy.