«As Christians, we have an important mission in life: to shape and improve the world as Jesus suggests to us in the Gospel,» Fr. Raphael Ballestrem, L.C., told the young teenagers at the ECYD camp participants. «¡The camp should inspire you to take on this challenge with commitment and joy!» he added.
What mission and why?
«In this world there are many needs: internal and external,» Fr. Raphael began his lecture. «The external ones are: people are hungry, thirsty, unemployed, out of school or affected by war. These difficulties influence the interior and the hearts of people: they become sad and discouraged. And this is where our mission begins!».
But how does the mission work? «Mission is only understood when someone gives a command. In our case, that is Jesus,» he continued.«Prayer, gospel meditation and connection with Jesus help us to hear and understand his commission,» said Fr. Raphael.
The prayers proposed by ECYD are intended to help with this. Raphael comments: «In morning prayer you can ask Jesus where He needs you today, in evening prayer you ask Him how He found your day. Gospel meditation helps you understand His teachings, and with the rosary you ask for what He gives you.».
A strong will
«Imagine going to a karting (of small and light vehicles to play races on short circuits), you step on the pedal, but the kart is not going faster because the horsepower is lacking,» Fr. Raphael began. «It's as if we want to achieve something, but we don't have the will to do it.»However, the will can be trained: «The more you train it, the more you can achieve, the better you can fulfill your mission,» Fr. Raphael reflected with the boys.
But how is that supposed to work? «It's very easy with daily exercises in everyday life,» the father motivated the boys: «Make your bed after you get up, do your homework right away, learn vocabulary, keep your room tidy, help around the house, learn to play an instrument.
Be positive!
As an example of how to maintain a positive attitude despite defeat, the participating boys watched the press conference with head coach Julian Nagelsmann after the German national team's elimination from the European Championship.
«Be grateful for all that you have received,» Fr. Raphael encouraged, «then the positive attitude will come on its own. Look for solutions instead of complaining about problems! Together you can accomplish more! We are a team!».
«Your prayer is precious!» continued Fr. Raphael.«Read (Mt 7:7-11): Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you! For he who asks, receives; he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened. Or is there anyone among you who gives his son a stone when he asks for bread, or a snake when he asks for a fish? If you, the wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
«You can be an intercessor, prayer knows no limits!If prayer does not work immediately, trust in God, because his plans are greater.» and gave them practical advice for a life of prayer: «Set up a prayer corner! Write down your intentions and pray for them every day! Find a saint as an intercessor!» said Father Rapahel.
Bear witness!
«Your inner and outer appearance must match, everything else is label fraud.»And what's inside? «Your friendship with Jesus, your conviction and faith, love, hope!».Appearance costs more effort: «Be honest, go to Mass, show help and don't be afraid!».
The boys went to Salzburg for a city march. Divided into teams, they had to fulfill some missions: make a homeless person happy, ask for prayer requests and pray for them, give a Marian medal to a newlywed couple.
During the mountain hike in the Hochfelln, the children learned that it is important to have a goal in mind. and make an effort to achieve it. The joy for the goal achieved is great and the effort is worth it.
They were able to enjoy the community and leisure time carefree with sports and games, and friendships grew among them.
In addition to daily Holy Mass and morning and evening prayer, a visit took the children to Altötting. There they trusted in the Mother of God and unexpectedly met Cardinal Kurt Koch.
Children's comments
«It was nice to meet the ECYD here in Germany. I have realized: we carry the same thing in our hearts, especially the friendship with Jesus!» (Javier, from Barcelona).
«I like being a supervisor at the camps! I can prepare good atmosphere for the boys. Giving me time and attention makes me happy! The trip to Salzburg was good! I enjoyed motivating the boys in the city rally tasks» (Linus Supervisor).
«The mountain hike was a highlight for me, I was able to talk to many people along the way and the scenery was fantastically beautiful (even with quite a bit of fog at the top). In these days I have become aware again that I have received a mission and a task from God.The small day-to-day challenges (making the bed...) help me to face even the big tasks with courage» (Constantine).
This article is a translation of the original German “Warum Mission?”.
