Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Dearest God,

Before me sits a confirmand, a young person whose faith has grown. Around her and within her I see a radiant glow. I have witnessed this aura before. It is the beauty of Christ.

Five months ago our confirmation program began. There were questions about the requirements. Happens every time. I tell them that we owe our best to our youth. I stand my ground in prayer.

It was a challenge to offer the program. I was exhausted, worn from daily trials. I was not sure I could actually follow through. Yet, I felt the divine nudge to move forward.

What I have witnessed in five short months has been amazing. Eight youth have become close friends. They finish each other’s sentences. They actually love one another. But not only this, they love you.

I ask them the questions of faith. What is faith? How does the Bible have relevancy? What role will God play on the day of your profession of faith? If asked to be a confirmation mentor in ten years, what challenges would you present to your confirmand? Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” How are you light? If Jesus is the center of the church, how are you part of that center? What image of God is your favorite and why? And many more. For an hour they answer my questions.

When I mention the question about being asked to be a mentor, the five youth I have already interviewed smile. “Yes!” A bright yes. One girl told me how privileged she would be to accept that role.

This is the work of God. Your spirit has led this whole process. I have simply facilitated the conversation. They have opened themselves to a walk of faith. Gladly they have engaged in matters of the heart and spirit. They have discussed death and resurrection and much more. A lot for 12 and 13 year old youth. They’re still pilgrims on a pilgrimage of faith for life.

Facilitate faith
in us,
O Christ.
Move us
to action,
to love
one another,
to serve,
to care,
to trust,
to pilgrim
our way
to the Divine.
Along the way
guide our footsteps,
caution us
in the pitfalls,
the chuck holes
that threaten
to cause
a fall,
teach us
to build bridges
of faith
that we
may walk
the way
of Christ.

Love, Andrea