Dear Kianna,
How can I follow Christ as a young person in today’s society? – Hopeful Disciple
Dear Hopeful,
Choosing to follow Christ is the greatest decision you can make. As St. Augustine brilliantly states, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” Journeying with Jesus brings us to the fulfillment of who we were created to be. In fact, every other pursuit in life, whether it be a goal, hobby or accomplishment, can bring us only a certain level of satisfaction, but living one’s life for the Lord is the most noble and fulfilling quest one can embark on.
The first step is to be bold and courageous enough to make this choice, then renew your commitment each day. Practicing our Catholic faith invites us to rise above many cultural standards, which can be difficult. One of the main discussions I have with my students is how to stand up for the faith even when it’s unpopular. To do this, it is essential to discover your “why,” or the reason behind your decision to follow Christ.
As a college athlete, I kept my goals in mind when I was struggling at practice or felt unmotivated to work out. Similarly, with our faith, knowing the reason why you desire to be a disciple of Christ can allow you to move forward when faced with trials. Personally, I enjoy journaling about the specific graces and blessings I have received, as this allows me to remember all that the Lord has done in my life. When I need some motivation or a spiritual boost, I read through my entries and connect with the Lord.
It is also important to establish a daily prayer routine. Prayer deepens our friendship with God and gives us the necessary tools to embark on our faith journey. Even when we don’t feel like praying, it is in these moments that we are invited to rise above our emotions and choose to pursue a relationship with the Lord. When I was in college, my coach made us train outside whether there was sunshine, rain or snow because he wanted us to be prepared to run in all conditions. Similarly, choosing to spend time with the Lord in prayer, even when we feel unmotivated, builds virtues that allow us to stand up for Christ in our daily life.
While this quest with Christ is filled with unending joy, unimaginable peace and countless blessings, Jesus was clear that being his disciple was not going to be easy. On this journey, it is helpful to surround ourselves with other disciples. That means connecting with a community, whether that’s through your parish, local events or faith groups. The Archdiocese of Seattle has opportunities for all ages, all of which strengthen our relationship with the Lord and help us go forth as his disciples.
The final step to living for Christ is to remember the bigger picture: the journey. This journey is a marathon, not a sprint. If you ever feel lost or are struggling to live your faith, you are not alone. Christ is merciful, and his grace allows us to seek him amid our imperfections and messiness. As you embark on this great quest, be bold and unafraid! The whole kingdom of heaven is with you to guide your path. May God bless you!
Kianna Romo teaches theology at Archbishop Murphy High School and is the author of “The Cross that Set Me Free.” Send your questions for her to [email protected].