From time to time, with permission, I post one of the weekly reflections from Brandon Jubar, our parish youth minister. This week’s reflection is a reminder to us all on the need to be mindful of the movement of the Spirit in our lives and the goodness that surrounds us.

Parent to Parent

St. Paul, the passionate early Christian author of many influential letters in the New Testament, challenges us not to blend in with the world’s flow. Instead, he calls us to something remarkable: to transform our lives in ways that truly matter. It’s a message that holds incredible relevance for teenagers today.In a world that often praises conformity and going along with the crowd, St. Paul’s words stand out. He invites us to explore beyond the surface, to dig deeper and discover the will of God. As parents, we understand the pressures our teens face – the desire to fit in, to follow trends, to be accepted. St. Paul reminds us that there’s something more profound – the call to seek out God’s purpose amid the noise.

But let’s not sugarcoat it. The journey toward transformation isn’t an easy one. Teens grapple with voices that dictate what’s “in,” what’s “normal,” and what’s “right.” It’s tempting to be swept away by these voices, but you know as well as anyone that your teens are capable of more. St. Paul’s wisdom encourages them to tune out the distractions and tune in to God’s voice.

Of course, making such a shift isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. It requires making tough choices and resisting temptations that pull them away from their values. As parents, we’ve witnessed our teens’ struggles and triumphs. We know that this journey of transformation involves intentional decisions about thoughts, actions, and direction.

Why invest this effort, you might wonder? Why encourage our teens to embark on a path that seems challenging? Well, the answer lies in the profound change that comes from aligning their lives with God’s will. Through this transformation, they’ll begin to discover for themselves what’s genuinely good, pleasing, and perfect. They’ll experience a sense of purpose and fulfillment that’s better than anything the world can offer.

As parents, we know that high school life is a complex maze of competing priorities. The pressure to excel, to fit in, and to make the right choices can be overwhelming. Embracing St. Paul’s call to transformation equips our teens with resilience and guidance. It’s not about achieving perfection; it’s about embracing growth, standing strong against conformity, and finding their unique path.

Ultimately, St. Paul’s message should serve as inspiration, encouraging our teens to embark on a journey of transformation that will impact their lives in profound ways. As parents, we play a vital role in supporting them on this path. Together, let’s inspire our teens to embrace the challenge of transformation and discover the incredible rewards it brings!

Is one of your kids in high school? Encourage them to join their parish Youth Ministry. Here at St. Francis of Assisi, Triangle, our REAL Youth Group (Respect, Engage, Accept, Live) meets this coming Sunday evening following the 5:30 pm Mass in the St. Catherine Room. Be there!

Image credit: Parable of the Great Banquet by Brunswick Monogrammist (circa 1525) National Museum, Warsaw | Public Domain