When I was a full-time youth minister (shorthand for coordinator or director of youth ministries in a Catholic Church), one of the most heartbreaking moments was just before a retreat or conference when a young person would say something like, “Thanks for the invite. I really want to go. And I’ll go next time! It’s just... I’ve got this ::insert random sport, social, or family event. My ::insert parent, coach, teacher, or friend:: really wants me to go.”

Most of the time, I knew (I KNEW!) that if they went, it would likely change the trajectory of their lives (and afterlives). But if they didn’t, the opportunity would be missed and the pressures and competing pulls of adolescence would prevent them from ever prioritizing their Faith again.

I was a youth minister for 18 years and it’s been 9 years since I retired from the position. While there were a few exceptions, the overwhelming majority of the time it played out precisely as I thought it would.

It crushed me to see them essentially walk away.

Today’s Gospel might come across as a bit harsh to many of us. A man rolls up on Jesus and expresses his desire to follow the Lord. He just has one condition: “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.”

Seems reasonable, right?
Jesus responds, “Let the dead bury their dead.” Now that doesn’t seem very compassionate.

But what if Jesus knows something this man can’t yet fathom? What if Jesus knows this is the man’s one chance. What if Jesus knows when the man goes to bury his father his mom will tell him he has to take over the family farm... or his grief will consume him and cause a crisis of faith... or he’ll meet a girl. This was the man’s chance.

When you feel the pull toward the Lord, the Eucharist, the Faith... you better jump. The Lord isn’t satisfied with your relationship. He wants—no—He YEARNS to show you more. Let him. Follow him. Not tomorrow. Now.

Comments, concerns, questions? Email David at dlins@oloj.org

BACK TO LIST BACK