“Those who hope in the Lord will run and not be weary” (cf. Is 40:31)

When we hear “World Youth Day” in the US, we think of younger kids, but across the world “Youth” encompasses those who are 18–39, what we consider young adults. All of these ages, whether 12–18 or 18–39, are times of much change and often much stress and anxiety. This year’s theme focusing on “hope in the Lord” is good for all of us. In a weary and stressful world, let us remember that our Lord gives us hope and strength. We are not alone and we are part of a larger community. The annual celebration of youth and young adults can be a seminal moment in the liturgical year when the Church (within a local community, in a diocese and globally) recommits to responding to those concerns, needs, problems and issues. It can also be an occasion to communicate Christ to them through the compassion and love of missionary disciples who encounter them. (excerpt from National Guidebook for the Global Celebration of Youth and Young Adults) Over the next week let’s pray for our youth and young adults that they may encounter the compassion and love of Christ and that they may find hope in our Lord.