June 17.  Preston had been a gang member since his early teens. He had felt abandoned by his alcoholic mother, didn’t know his father and his sister who had been looking after the younger siblings had run away.  Patrick and his mom had been praying for this boy for some time when Patrick invited him to come to a mission for young people at their church.  Just one sentence “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” had touched Preston as he shared with Patrick,“I think I will be able to change my ways, but please carry on praying for me and please be my friend”  

Reflect, share and act. Scripture:   Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.  Matt 5:.43-48 Pope Francis: The real question is not where our children are physically or whom they are with but rather where they are existentially, where they stand in terms of their convictions, goals, desires and dreams.  AL 261. At times the hurt felt by some young people is heart-rending, a pain too deep for words   They can only tell God how much they are suffering and how hard it is for them to keep going, since they no longer believe in any one.  Yet in that sorrowful plea, the words of Jesus make themselves heard,. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” May all young people who are suffering feel the closeness of a Christian community that can reflect those words by its actions, its embrace and its concrete help. CV 77.  JUBILEE:   It is sad to see young people who are without hope, who face an uncertain and unpromising future, who lack employment or job security, or realistic prospects after finishing school. Without the hope that their dreams can come true, they will inevitably grow discouraged and listless. Escaping into drugs, risk-taking and the pursuit of momentary pleasure does greater harm to them in particular, since it closes them to life’s beauty and richness, and can lead to depression and even self-destructive actions. Act and pray. For the needs of the youth and their families as appropriate.