Most Rev. John Alphonse Asiedu, SVD, Episcopal Co-Chair for Youth, has urged Catholic youth and the faithful to let their faith in Christ shape their values, choices, and daily conduct.
In his homily at the Opening Mass of the 49th Annual General Council Meeting (AGCM) of the Ghana National Catholic Youth Council (GHANCYC) in Tamale, Most Rev Asiedu called for an unwavering loyalty to Jesus Christ above all else.
Bishop Asiedu reminded the Youth that “nothing and nobody is superior to Jesus Christ,” for He existed before all creation and remains the head of both creation and the Church. He cautioned that modern temptations such as the pursuit of money, prestige, popularity, and personal success can easily push Christ into the background.
“We may be good people and good Catholics, but we must not underestimate the temptations around us. Our faith should always influence our attitudes and behaviours,” he stressed, adding that Catholic faithful in politics, business, education, health, and other spheres must consistently bear witness to Christ in the public eye.
He emphasized that faith in Christ demands both fidelity and renewal.
“New wine in new wineskins,” he encouraged the youth to embrace positive change and to move away from rigid traditions that hinder spiritual growth. “Change will never come if we cling to the past. The new message of Jesus about the Kingdom of God requires a change in our outlook and our attitudes.”
He further called for a shift from retaliation to forgiveness in interpersonal relationships.
“Some of us believe it is our right to retaliate when offended, but Jesus says no. His message calls us to turn the other cheek, to transform our reactions into positive responses of love and mercy,”
He reminded the youth that Christ must remain their ultimate concern. “Loyalty and faithfulness to Christ in all our endeavours should be our primary focus as Catholic youth and as Catholic faithful. He is the foundation of our faith and our all in all.
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