23 November 2008, Christ The King (Year A)

NATIONAL YOUTH SUNDAY

23rd November 2008

This year's National Youth Sunday takes the theme "Reclaim the future!" It continues the live simply message of recent years by inviting us to think about how we can live sustainably in our communities.

Green issues and environmental concerns remain constantly in the news: we continue to hear about the effects of global warming; we're encouraged to consider how we use the world's resources; we are told to recycle more and more, and so on. Living simply and sustainably reminds us that these aren't just trendy, eco-friendly actions but God-given responsibilities.

As God's creation we've been given the task of caring for the earth. Our actions have a consequence not only on ourselves, but also on the environment and, crucially, on our sisters and brothers throughout the world.

To Reclaim the future! means to look forward with hope and expectation, recognising the power we have to make a positive impact on our world. What we are able to do here and now makes a difference to the way the world is for future generations.

Alongside living simply and sustainably, the third part of livesimply is to live in solidarity with the poor. So it's important that we acknowledge the fact that we are part of a global community. Our faith encourages us to want to change the fact that people live in poverty. We cannot be satisfied or content until people are able to live with the basic needs of water, food and shelter.