Objective:
The middle school youth will be made aware of the life of St. Thomas More and our call to stand up for what is right.
Overview:
ENDURANCE: The example given to us by St. Thomas More is one that most of us do not have to deal with. We may not be asked to declare the President of the United States as the Supreme Leader of the Catholic Church, but sometimes we may have to listen to others who speak poorly about the Church. People who misunderstand or have been taught untrue things about the Church may even treat us differently. What Christ asks of us is that we endure whatever obstacles may occur so that the truth of the Catholic Church be known to all. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
By prayer we can discern “what is the will of God” and obtain the endurance to do it. Jesus teaches us that one enters the kingdom of heaven not by speaking words, but by doing “the will of my Father in heaven.” (#2826)
Through a developed relationship with Christ in prayer, we can follows God’s will and endure any obstacle we may encounter in carrying out that call. We must also let our young people know that age should not hinder them in standing firm in their faith. 1Timothy 4:12 gives us this encouragement: “Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.” It is important that we continue to empower our young people to stand up and defend the Catholic Church in today’s world of doubt.