Live a holy boldness and set the world on fire

There are many moments in movies, books or television shows where the hero discovers who they are and who they are destined to become. Oftentimes it takes challenges or obstacles for that revelation to occur. It could be that a family member reveals an insight, or the life lessons learned along the way illustrate one’s strengths and gifts.
In the movie “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” the sequel to the heartwarming “Wreck-It Ralph,” this aspect of storytelling is teased in a scene involving a cavalry of Disney princesses. Characters like Ariel and Snow White encourage the young character of Vanellope to discover her dream, to figure out what she wants to do … by staring at some form of water. When Vanellope is confused, the princesses explain that it is important water, and later Vanellope sings her heart’s desire after staring at the now-found meaningful water. It pokes fun at the show-stopping ballads found in many Disney movies. 
The hero discovering their destiny is not exclusive to Disney animation. Luke Skywalker discovers that he is a Jedi after facing Darth Vader. The Avengers assemble and realize that they are stronger as a team to defeat Thanos. My wife is a big fan of Hallmark movies, and in even those, there is self-discovery and self-acceptance along the way. At the end of a Hallmark movie, everything is wrapped up nicely and everyone finds their soul mate by the time the credits roll. 
For our young people, who have grown up with these stories and more, find themselves as the protagonist of their own story, the “now of God” as Pope Francis has called them. Young people must have the space and the freedom to write their own stories, to chart their own successes and failures. Young people want to be the heroes in the stories of their lives. 
St. Catherine of Siena said, “If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world on fire!” St. Irenaeus said, “The glory of God is man alive.” How can young people discover who they are and who they are meant to be? How can young people be the spark of the change they wish to see in the world? How can young people glorify God with their lives?
Three strategies come to mind as possible starting points. Each strategy can intersect with the other, and each can work to build up a young person. 
First, young people can be invited into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When a teen sees Jesus as a confidant and friend, they are able to grow in confidence. When a teen sees Jesus as a consoler and a comforter, they are able to grow in acceptance of grief and loss. When a teen sees Jesus as savior, they are able to grow in holiness. 
If Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and His sheep know His voice, this means that Jesus is constantly speaking to us. We are challenged to turn down the distracting noise so that we can hear His voice. 
Second, young people can be invited into a life of prayer and into the sacramental life of the Church. In this Year of the Eucharist and the Parish, we remind our young people that the sacraments are those outward signs of inward grace, that they are vital to our spiritual well being. When young people are rooted in the cornerstone of the Eucharist, they are able to face difficulties and challenges. 
Go to Mass! We can do very little successfully without the Bread of Life sustaining and nurturing us. 
Third, young people can be supported by their parents and caring adults. Parents are the primary catechists of their children, but many parents feel ill equipped to step boldly into this role. Young people look to their parents as models, as examples in how to live their lives. Parents have an awesome responsibility to form and to inform their children’s consciences and to set the foundation for their children to become saints. 
Parents, love your children, be merciful and patient with them. Give them the space and freedom to soar and to fail. 
Each of us is destined for sainthood. It is our opportunity to become a saint, to discover that sainthood as the hero in our stories. Let us live a holy boldness to become what we are meant to be, and to set the world on fire. 
— Adam Ganucheau is the Director of the Office of Youth Ministry for the Archdiocese of Mobile. He may be emailed at [email protected]
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