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Lectionary
4 TRINITY: 15 – 21 JUNE 2008
THEME: ‘LET NO ONE LOOK
DOWN ON YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE YOUNG.’
READING: 1 TIMOTHY 4:
9 – 16
Agreeably, the participation of youth in every
community is crucial and future success depends on that. Youth
are unchangeably known to be the power-house of energy and
fresh talents which, when delicately nurtured, will go a long
way towards building a better society for the benefit of all.
Despite recent advancement in technology, Africa is still
characterized by socio-political hiccups, economic
marginalization, violation of fundamental human rights,
cultural erosion and moral decay. Yet in all this turmoil
there is an emerging strong desire among the Church and
particularly the youth for the revival of strong Christian
values and ethics.
The youth, as leaders of today and
tomorrow, are facing many challenges in the concept of
leadership, amongst them the decision of taking up
responsibilities, the courage and the dedication to face the
challenges that accompany leadership positions. Many young
people feel that they are being held back because of their
youth, yet our text reads: “Let no one despise you for your
youth, but set for the believers an example in speech, in
conduct, in love, in faith and purity” (1 Timothy 4: 12.)
History has demonstrated that youth with adequate skills when
awarded responsibilities, handle them well, demonstrate
ability, positive attitudes and competence in Church and
society. In this renewal process, Africa, first needs to
eradicate all roots of evil which cause ethnocentrisms racism,
corruption, nepotism, favoritism, irresponsibility,
unaccountability and discrimination against youth. Second,
Africa needs a truly viable integral human development
paradigm. As such, this should necessarily recognize and admit
that the goods of creation are for all and for all times.
Being the actual strength of the church (by sheer
numbers and talent potential), the youth have a very crucial
role to play; they need to be placed at the forefront of this
challenge. They should be equipped with skills, attitudes and
knowledge that make them effective and positive agents for
change and transformation. Youth should remain focused in the
quest to overcome contemporary challenges facing them, such as
HIV, illiteracy, poverty and high levels of unemployment,
substance abuse and related violence. Moreover, the church in
Africa needs a new vision, a new philosophy and approach
regarding the future, which, to be effective, must involve the
youth.
Submitted by Rev. Geoffrey Kayigamba
PRAYER
Bless, Lord, the youths of Africa, that
they may hear and obey your call and seek to do your will for
the betterment of their nations, so that in the end, they may
be found to be true citizens of your heavenly kingdom. In
Jesus name we pray. Amen.
PRAY FOR:
Swaziland
(National Day – September 6)
Children (International Day
of the African Child, June 16th)
Refugees and internally
displaced persons (World Refugee Day, June 20th)
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
1 Samuel 17: 29 – 37;
Matthew 2: 33 – 40; Matthew 2: 41 – 52; Ecclesiastes 12: 1 –
7; Psalm 90: 1 – 12; Job 32: 6 – 9
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