YOUTH MATTERS: Raising our voice to witness to the faith
By Darcy Rogers, Director of Youth Evangelisation
“Jesus defeated death so you can live”. Charlie Kirk posted these words on his Instagram account just three days prior to his assassination.
My last column was on the theme of the importance of dialogue and finding our true identity in Jesus Christ. Sadly, since our last edition, we witnessed Kirk’s murder, which was an assault on freedom of speech, and open, respectful dialogue.
Kirk was a devout Christian, a husband, father, and co-founder of Turning Point USA, a non-for profit that advocates for the conservative point of view in politics, primarily amongst university students.
He was always ready to give an account for the hope that was within him to anyone who asked, as advised in Peter’s first epistle (1 Peter 3:15). He also created space for dialogue with those who disagreed with him, always treating them with respect.
This year, I particularly noticed how explicitly Kirk spoke about his identity in Jesus, and the invitation to others that they explore a personal relationship with Him. Kirk’s mission field was college campuses, and his mission was to be a truth-bearer to young people across the USA.
State Representative for Illinois, Chris Miller, wrote on Facebook: “Charlie Kirk wasn’t assassinated because he spoke. He was assassinated because our children listened.”
As Miller’s words indicate, Kirk was highly effective in providing young people with the inspiration and courage to defend their own ideas and beliefs. Young people responded to his example, in turn becoming agents for change themselves and evangelising their peers.
We can all ask ourselves, do I help to share the Good News of Jesus through the content I post on social media? Am I prepared to give testimony to my own faith, and the reason for the hope I have within me? This is why our own faith formation is imperative.
There was a time in my life when I had to change from being a young man living an inherited faith, to being an intentional follower of Jesus, shaped by all the Catholic Church as to offer, and the mission Jesus had in store for my life. This change meant I could not remain silent about my faith.
To own your faith, I would suggest joining a faith community, perhaps a youth or young adult group in your parish or joining an event hosted by the Archdiocese, that can support you in your Christian journey. There are also various online resources available to deepen your faith, the ‘Catechism in a Year’ by Father Mike Schmitz is a great place to start.
Or you can find a saint you resonate with and read more about their life, and how they gave life to others.
Our Church history is filled with saints and martyrs who decided to live their faith in Jesus ‘out loud’ for all to see, despite the persecution that inevitably comes with such courageous witness to the Truth.