Readings:

Jeremiah 20:7-9
Psalm 63:2 / 3-4 / 5-6 / 8-9
Romans 12:1-2
Gospel Verse: See Eph 1:17-18
Matthew 16:21-27

Homily:

There is a saying that two things in life are certain, death and taxes. God is telling us in today’s readings and Gospel that there is more than that.

In our first reading the prophet Jeremiah tells us that, people laughed at him, and his message, to the point that he broke down and cried.

I think we have all had the experience of rejection. Perhaps it was in romance, in school, or in a social situation. However, we know that Jeremiah did not let up. He continued to spread God’s message even when he knew that the rulers and chief priests wanted him dead. He realized that he could not deny God’s call.

In the deepest part of us we know that we desire nothing more than to serve God. Of course we have free will. We can deny that call, we can cover it up with good things used badly, and we can run away. Jeremiah was stronger than that. He knew that he MUST proclaim God’s message and that he wanted nothing more than to please God.

In our Gospel, Jesus tells us that whoever wishes to come after Him must deny himself or herself, take up his or her cross, and follow him.

This is a tough message for Youth Sunday. You, our young people, are the promise of the future. You are hope and light for all of us. It is hard to imagine sorrow, pain, and the crosses that will come. It is hard to imagine giving up what you think you want for what God wants. By bringing you here to church and by teaching you the Catholic —“ Christian message we, your parents, grandparents, and me, are asking you to take the harder road and to do what God wants.

Being a true Christian today is very, very hard. Using your free will to choose Christ and to follow that inner call God put inside you is almost impossible.

Even though following Jesus’ way is hard, it is not impossible. The greatest part about it is that we will be happy forever because Jesus said so.

Remember that, and remember that we are here for you. This Church, this Parish is your refuge. It is where you are safe and where you receive the support and nourishment you need to do the right thing with your free will.

Let us pray for our youth and for ourselves. Let us pray that we use our free will to do the right thing, even though it may be harder. Let us pray that our SOCL students, their families, and our teachers are nourished this year. And, let us pray that this sanctuary, our Parish, be the starting point for our daily walk with Jesus. Amen.