My friends, you were chosen to be free. So don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do anything you want. Use it as an opportunity to serve each other with love (Gal 5:13).
In his column in last week’s bulletin, JT Parker quoted from the fifth chapter of St. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” JT wrote about the true interior freedom of heart that comes through daily personal prayer, faithful participation in Holy Mass, and regular celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Later in that same chapter, St. Paul offers another passage above. Freedom is not the license to behave or act however we please. Rather, the gift of freedom is given so that we might love and serve one another. This is especially important in the formation of young people who often view the increasing independence of the teenage years as permission to engage in disruptive, destructive, or disrespectful behavior. Unfortunately, we see examples of this misuse of freedom in our communities and in our schools. Why is this happening, and what can we do to change it?
The American value of freedom of speech has always recognized certain limits. We know, for example, that we are not free to yell “fire” in a crowded theater when there is no danger. We seem to have forgotten, however, the importance of civility in our speech. Too often, we have become accustomed to saying whatever we want, whenever we want, to whomever we want. What example does this set for our young people? It teaches them that it is acceptable to speak and act without regard for others. As Christians, we have a duty to speak to and about others with dignity and respect, even when we disagree. That is the example we are called to give to the next generation.
The formation of young people requires discipline. We readily understand the discipline necessary to cultivate growth in academics, the arts, athletics, and countless other pursuits. Young people must learn to value the discipline required to study, practice, and develop good habits. Along with discipline comes another important lesson: actions have consequences. When young people misuse their freedom through poor decisions, impulsive behavior, or destructive actions, there must be consequences. These consequences are not imposed because we fail to appreciate that mistakes are part of growing up; rather, they are acts of love that help young people learn from those mistakes and mature. Too often, poor behavior goes unchecked by parents and other authority figures.
I was inspired to write this column during my time last month at the Scouting America National Jamboree. More than 8,000 young people attended this 10-day national gathering, where they learned new skills and participated in activities that were both challenging and inspiring. While I was there, I kept up with reports from our annual Family Festival. Overwhelmingly, I heard about the joy and success of the event. Unfortunately, I also heard about several negative encounters involving young people. I found myself reflecting on the structure, expectations, and boundaries that Scouting provides and how different that is from the experience of young people who are given little structure and few boundaries. Certainly, Scouts make mistakes too, but within the guidance and accountability of the Scouting program, young people are less likely to harm or disrespect their community.
Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, said that Scouting seeks to change young people from asking, “What can I get?” to asking, “What can I give?” That should also be the goal of every parish and every community. As neighbors, our first instinct should be to help form young people rather than simply complain about them. As parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, and mentors, we owe it to our youth to help them recognize how much they have to offer. In doing so, they will learn to use their freedom not merely for themselves, but in generous service to others.
Peace!
