It is precisely the Rich Young Man (Mark 10: 17-23) of the Gospels and the young woman of slightly limited resources of imagination or character that make Jesus’ mandate to “Go, therefore, and make disciples” an immense challenge. It is not an easy mission placed before us. The task of becoming a disciple, it has been suggested is as difficult as passing a camel through the eye of a needle.

In his message for  the2005 Day of Prayer for Vocations, Pope John Paul II reminded adults who serve in youth ministry that “God has entrusted to you the particular task of guiding young people on the path to holiness. Be an example to them of generous fidelity to Christ. Encourage them to “put out into the deep” without hesitation, responding eagerly to the invitation of the Lord. . . Help them to discern their path, and to become true friends of Christ and his true disciples.”

We are calling for young people to make the jump, for a conversion from the lives of comfort. This, of course, demands of us that we show ourselves “capable of revealing the face of Christ through (our) own words and example.” It is possible through our example “young people (become) more ready to welcome His demanding message, stamped as it is with the mystery of the Cross.”