Hallelujah! Jesus is Alive!

This work consists of a collection of instructions taken from various eminent writers on the spiritual life. It is meant to be a course to help the reader attain the attitude of despising all that is worldly while appreciating all spiritual values. Throughout the book Christ,  as the teacher, is imagined to be the speaker instructing the reader. However, the truth and righteousness of each instruction must be properly weighed and evaluated by the reader. The ones who can pronounce judgment on this book are only those who have carefully read and meditated on it, who have looked therein for inspiration, for its practice, and for that peace of mind which is meant to be communicated to those who have a good disposition, namely, to those who are prepared to listen. The work is divided into sessions on various topics called “Instructions”.• In order that the reader may receive the full spiritual profit from its reflection and study, it is suggested that no more than one Intrusction a day be read, till the whole course of assigned sessions is covered. This book is mainly written for those who would like to deepend their relation with Jesus Christ and continue to cultivate their faith. The reader is asked to invoke the Blessed Trinity before each Instruction by making the sign of the cross and say this prayer: God the Father, receive the Divine Wounds of your beloved Son and our brother, Jesus Christ. I offer them to you asking for your Holy Spirit. Amen.   This is The Gymnasium For The Spiritual Life, Instruction 21: The person who truly loves God. My child, today I propose this subject for your thoughtful consideration: Spiritual perfection consists in love, and in love there is no fear. In order that you can in some way discover what stage you have reached in spiritu¿al life, I put before you a model of the person who truly loves God. The persons who truly loves God unreservedly - and consequently are living a life of perfection - possesses three hearts in one: (i) A heart of fire for God (consuming love for God), which makes them choose to do God’s will completely and in everything rather than their own will, even at the cost of his own life. Such a person resigns himself to God’s will and, finding pleasure only in glorifying his name, they encourage others to do the same. (ii) A heart of flesh for others (gentle love for others) with which they sincerely and unselfishly shows mercy towards everybody, and treat others as they want others to treat them. Moreover, they are not only keen not to do to others what they do not want others to do to them, but also to see that this is not done. They rejoice with those who rejoice, and are sad with those in sorrow (cf. Rm 12, 15). (iii) A heart of stone for themselÏf (a disciplined love for oneself) with which they chastise their evil inclinations knowing that, the more one suffers and practises self-denial during this life, the greater will be their glory in the hereafter. Spiritual perfection is seated in love, and love is the fulfilment of the law: “You must love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second resembles it: You must love your neighbour as yourself” (Mt 22, 37-39). He who love bind themself to the object of their love and becomes one. Therefore, when you love God, who is love, God abides in you and you in God.

The Art of Forming Young Disciples by Everett Fritz is a comprehensive guide for individuals engaged in the valuable ministry of nurturing the faith of young people. It delves into the intricate dynamics of youth ministry, offering both theoretical insights and practical strategies for effective engagement. One of the central themes of the book is the significance of building genuine relationships with young people. Fritz emphasizes the power of authentic connections in fostering meaningful discipleship. He advocates for moving beyond superficial interactions and investing in deep, personal relationships that serve as the foundation for spiritual growth. Moreover, Fritz introduces the concept of intentional discipleship, outlining a structured approach to mentoring and forming young disciples. This involves not only imparting knowledge but also walking alongside young people as they navigate their faith journey, providing guidance and support along the way. A key aspect of the book is its recognition of the challenges posed by contemporary culture. Fritz explores how societal norms and pressures can impact the spiritual development of young people and offers insights into effectively engaging with them in a culturally relevant manner. He suggests ways to connect with young people on their level, addressing their questions, concerns, and interests in ways that resonate with their experiences. Furthermore, The Art of Forming Young Disciples provides practical strategies for implementing successful youth ministry initiatives. Fritz offers concrete examples and actionable advice that can be adapted to various contexts, whether in a church setting, school, or community organization. From organizing engaging activities to facilitating meaningful discussions, the book equips readers with the tools they need to make a positive impact on the lives of young people. Underpinning the practical guidance is a strong theological foundation. Fritz emphasizes the importance of grounding youth ministry in sound theological principles, ensuring that discipleship efforts are not only relevant but also deeply rooted in faith. He highlights the value of theological teaching in shaping the spiritual formation of young disciples and provides guidance on how to integrate theological concepts into youth ministry practices. Overall, The Art of Forming Young Disciples is a valuable resource for priests, youth leaders, parents, and anyone passionate about nurturing the faith of young people. It offers a holistic approach to youth ministry, combining relational depth, intentional discipleship, cultural relevance, practical strategies, and theological richness. Through its insights and guidance, the book empowers readers to effectively engage with young people and guide them on their journey of faith.

Hallelujah! Jesus is alive! Have you met the living Jesus in person? St George Preca, in The Sanctuary of the Spirit of Christ, put in writing how he portrayed Jesus Christ. This helps us visualize the person of Jesus, the second divine person of the Holy Trinity, whom we long to encounter face to face in our life and beyond! Christ was a tall man with a youthful face with a pale dark complexion. He was neither thin nor fat. He had a high forehead, black eyes ever cast downwards. He was a handsome man, as befits the Son of God made man, without any physical defect. Like all Nazarenes, He wore his hair long of a chestnut colour, as were his beard and moustache. He walked slowly and in a dignified manner, without any hurry. His look was serious and grave, and his countrymen never saw Him laugh though they did see Him weep. His voice was steady and clear, and it could be either gentle or angry depending on the circumstance. When sitting his position inspired modesty and majesty. He loved silence. His words were full of learning, consolation, warnings and corrections. He threatened hypocrites. He knew reading and writing though nobody ever taught Him. His miracles and wisdom, and his calm and gentle temperament drew the crowds towards him. He would reject or repulse no one who approached Him. He showed affection to everybody, but in his choice of friends, He preferred the lowly, the little ones and the ignorant. No gift, praise, or any other thing could bribe his principles of justice and truth. He faced every persecution with courage. He was honest and upright in everything, and never feared the powerful. He disciplined his companions sometimes gently and sometimes strongly. Neither praise nor humiliations effected Him. He showed delight when people surrounded him to listen to his teachings. He never taught anything without strengthening his words with example. His wisdom, witnessed to by his patience, astonished the most astute among the Doctors of the Law. Many were envious of his talents, and yet He treated them with compassion. He was inspired only by one ideal: God the Father towards whom He had a profound reverence, and a zeal for His Law. He was persistent on defence of divine honour. He had in him a spirit of sacrifice, love and of mortification with an intense hatred for pride. He spent the day among the crowds who sought Him for spiritual and temporal welfare. He loved his widowed mother so much that as He was dying on the cross, He left her in the care of one of his apostles.

Preca Publications has recently published the second edition of the book Jien Iltqajt Miegħu (I Have Met Him). The Society of Christian Doctrine had published this book for the first time in 1985, on the occasion of the International Year of the Youth. In this book, penned by Joe Fenech, a member of the Society, we read about thirteen characters of the Gospel, where they talk about their meeting with Jesus Christ, how he touched their heart and changed their life. These thirteen characters are not fictitious or imaginary, but true men and women, and they really met Jesus. Their testimonies are an invitation to us, that we, as well, draw closer to him, to know him and love him more.

Lord Jesus Christ, how is it possible that the spirit who comes to know you doesn’t think of you day and night? How is it possible that a person who loves truly doesn’t think of you, who are the sole object of the heart? Therefore I think of you and my thought centres so easily and so quickly on your Divinity, because you are the only Man predestined to be the Son of the true and living God. You are God from God, light from light, true God from true God; and at the thought my spirit delights in you. Nourished by a true and strong faith, my spirit believes that you are almighty, existing from eternity and enduring forever, infinite, unchanging. You are all goodness, all knowing, all truth, life itself, all merciful and just. Lord Jesus Christ, I think of you so vividly at the Last Supper surrounded by the twelve apostles, when you instituted the Holy Eucharist. My spirit desires eagerly and continually to enjoy you really and substantially by means of this Sacrament. Lord Jesus Christ, I think of you so vividly in the Garden of Gethsemane, sweating blood all over, and my spirit understands the ugliness of sin which is the only enemy of your will. Lord Jesus Christ, I think of you so vividly as you were nailed to the cross between two thieves and my spirit is fortified to endure patience and appreciate suffering. I cannot help but think of you because everything lifts me up on to you. If I see someone who is merciful, I think of you and silently I say: how much more merciful are you his creator! If I see someone who is gentle and meek, I think of you and silently I say: how much more gentle and meek are you his creator! If I see someone who is righteous, I think of you and silently I say: how much more righteous are you his creator! Man is what he thinks: if he thinks of earthly things, says Saint Augustine, he is materialist; if he thinks of heavenly things, he is spiritual, a man of God. Man is therefore alike to the object of his thought. Whatever man loves, that is the object of his thought, that is the god of his heart. “Where there is your treasure there is also your heart.” How is it possible then that one has not put on Christ if he thinks about him day and night? Our maker has commanded us to love him with all our mind: therefore let us keep his presence in our mind, and offer everything for his glory, doing everything with the intention of pleasing him and closely guarding ourselves in the observance of his law.

Brother Roger of Taizé (1915-2005) is the founder of the Taizé Community, where thousands of young people from every continent and Christian denomination gather in a monastic and ecumenical spirit. In his book, God is Love Alone, he wrote seven reflections that left a mark on him. Here are some of these reflections. God can only love "Perhaps Christ did not come into the world so that everyone would know that they are loved?" says Brother Roger. Because "God is love" (1 John 4:8), so if we ask: "What is God doing now? God is loving" (St. George Preca). Christ is not the accuser Brother Roger says: "Even when he was being treated badly, Christ never accused anyone." Sometimes we teach children that God is a kind of tyrant or policeman, in fact, he writes: "Where does this feeling of error come from, sometimes even in childhood?" We need to learn that God's commandments are not a means of making our lives miserable but a guide for humans to live contentedly, because after all, whoever wants to live in a world of murder, theft, and rampant adultery? Brother Roger says: "It was not that parents or teachers ever used their authority to make them grow out of goodness towards a child", because "in a child's heart, which knows it is loved tenderly, which is also forgiven, it knows to be a source of peace throughout its life. "Whoever lives for God chooses to love...a decisive heart that loves can spread goodness around it without realizing it. A heart like this often wants to alleviate the suffering of those who are near and far." Understand the word "unconsciously". So the love we give is for everyone (unconditionally) and offered in any situation we find ourselves in. Carl Zahra SDC Candidate