(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Summer 2024 Digital Issue #112 pg 6)

by Kathleen Molaro, OFS National FY/YA Animator

Hands come together each shaping a heart “Love isn’t something we feel, it’s something we do.” We’ve all heard this quote time and time again, but what does it really mean? It simply means we can’t just talk about loving one another. Our actions, words, and intentions need to express love genuinely and concretely.

That’s not easy to do when we speak of loving our younger generation. Not because we don’t have hearts for young people, but because it’s difficult to love them if they’re not in our presence. If there aren’t younger Catholics in our midst—how can we show them we love them?

Jesus ministered to many people. Some approached him on their own volition. They had heard rumors of his healing power. They were inspired by his words when he preached, or curious about this man who was gaining so much attention. Young people won’t hear about Franciscan spirituality or a gospel life if we are hidden away in our fraternities. We need to be visible witnesses of God’s love which will inspire them to follow our lead.

However, Jesus also sought people out. He approached the woman at the well. He spotted Zacheus in the tree and approached him. He walked with his disciples on their way to Emmaus. In imitating Jesus, we’re encouraged to seek young people. There are creative and life-giving ways to meet them where they are and immerse ourselves into their lives.

Once we’ve found them (or they’ve found us), how can we “be love?” Paul tells the Church in Ephesus, “Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.” (Eph.5 1-2)

God loves everyone. He doesn’t pick and choose whom to love. He chooses us all, even when we are unlovable. We must make a conscious choice to live our Rule by “trusting in the presence of the divine seed in everyone and in the transforming power of love and pardon.” (OFS Rule, Art. 19)

As Francis grew in his spirituality, he recognized the need to embrace the leper. The story reminds us that when considering youth, we need to look past the clothing, piercings, or behavior we don’t approve of.

As the commission’s previous Spiritual Assistant, Brother Scott Slattum, OFM, used to say, “Just love them into new life.” Remember, our young people are on a journey. In a non-judgmental and loving way, we can support them and encourage them to strive for holiness.

We “give ourselves up,” not in the drastic way Jesus did on the cross, but every time we step out of our own needs and respond to the needs of others. What is it the young people in your midst need from you? That might take a while to determine, but in the meantime, you can at least give them some attention, even if it’s simply a few moments to listen to their story.

Finally, and probably most importantly, be love out in the world. Our young people are watching. When we love unconditionally with joy and holy purpose, we emanate a radiance that is enticing. Our example serves as an invitation to consider a gospel life, which of course is our ultimate goal.