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Forming those who form others

Sharing the Gospel Message with Adolescents, Part 2

In the last issue, we took a look at how to present the basic Gospel message to young people, and I suggested using the four reasons for the Incarnation as a model for that message. The first two reasons were to save us by reconciling us with God and so that thus we might know God’s love. These two reasons are closely related to each other and are foundational in understanding the Good News of Jesus Christ. How much does God love us? He died so that we might be reconciled to Him. Why would He do such a thing? Because He loves us so much.

But to leave it with just those reasons makes the Gospel nothing more than an inspirational story. He didn’t die so that we would be the same.

Truly experiencing the freedom of God’s love calls us to live a new life. And so, ‘The Word Became flesh to be our model of holiness.’ God’s actions demand a response; we cannot go back to the status quo. The answer must not only be a yes from our lips but a yes from our hearts and lives. We need to be like Jesus.

What does this mean? The answer is again found in the Gospels, ‘our principal source for the life and teaching of the Incarnate Word, our Savior.’ In both word and deed, Jesus showed us the way to live: ‘I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you.’

This is why it is so important to know who Jesus is. Without understanding the Gospels, a teenager’s perspective of Jesus is more conceptual than personal. The question, ‘What would Jesus do?’ is often answered in lukewarm sentiments like, ‘Be nice,’ or ‘Be kind.’

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Dr. Bob Rice is an internationally known speaker, acclaimed musician, and innovative writer. He is Professor of Catechetics and the Director of the Masters of Arts in Catechetics and Evangelization at Franciscan University of Steubenville. He has a PhD in Theology from Liverpool Hope University where he researched Catholic youth and evangelization. He is a highly sought after presenter at youth conferences, young-adult gatherings, men’s conferences, parish missions, and catechetical workshops. Bob has authored many books, articles, and award-winning scripts that have helped people come to a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith. Bob has recorded numerous CDs and leads worship for over ten thousand people every year, mostly through the Steubenville Adult and Youth Conferences. He is the host of EWTN’s Franciscan University Presents. Bob lives in Steubenville with his beautiful wife Jennifer and their seven adorable children. You can find out more about him at bob-rice.com. He is the author of the life of Christ novel, Between the Saivior and the Sea, written through St. Peter's eyes and the spiriutality book, A 40-Day Spiritual Workout for Catholics.

This article is from The Sower and may be copied for catechetical purposes only. It may not be reprinted in another published work without the permission of Maryvale Institute. Contact [email protected]

Categorized Under

Categorized Under:

Youth Ministry

Issue:

32.1

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About Franciscan Catechetics

The Catechetics Degree Programs and the Catechetical Institute (CI) at Franciscan University of Steubenville work in concert to prepare clergy, religious and laity to join the “army of catechists” called for by St. John Paul II, eager to help the Church in her mission of making all nations joyful disciples of Jesus Christ. We combine a thorough formation in Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and Magisterial documents with training in effective pedagogical techniques to help those we serve to grasp the truth, goodness, and beauty of the Father’s plan, and to bear witness to others faithfully of the wonderful life of grace in the Holy Spirit.

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