Point Toward Jesus

By ZACH RAWSON

I've been thinking and praying about what to write for this, the first of my Courier articles as the Director of Youth Ministry & Faith Formation, for some time now. A few ideas surfaced outside of prayer. I could spend time introducing myself, laying out my vision for Youth Ministry & Faith Formation in the Diocese, share with you models of ministry I like to use, etc... Only one idea came up while praying. It can be summed it up in two words: “not me.” When I heard those words, I stopped dragging my feet and was finally able to start writing.

Oddly enough, the Gospel reading at Mass the day I was offered this new role was John’s account of Jesus gathering his first disciples, or rather John the Baptist pointing his disciples to Jesus, after which they begin following Jesus around so closely Jesus was compelled to turn around and ask them, “What are you looking for?” The very first bit of advice I was given as a youth ministry coordinator was, “Your job is to be like John the Baptist. Point others away from yourself and toward Jesus.” I’ve tried to take that advice to heart over the years, not only in ministry, but in all areas of life. Today, I’m confident that the Gospel reading back on January 4 was no coincidence; it was a reminder once again of the task at hand.

I think the best thing I can write to you in this first article is an echo of John the Baptist’s epic finger point. I often imagine what it would have been like to experience Jesus looking at me eye-to-eye as he did when calling his disciples. What must it have been like to be going about one’s daily tasks and suddenly be interrupted by this man whose gaze caused one to drop everything and follow him? Can you imagine? The Lord God, in the flesh, looking at you? I would think the disciples must have felt completely captivated, moved, known, and loved. Actually, I know that’s how they felt, because I’ve experienced it myselfmaybe not quite the same way as those first disciples, but, when I’ve come face-to-face, eye-to-eye, with the Lord, I have felt the same way, and there is nothing like it.

I have been blessed, as have many of you, to encounter Jesus in many forms - individuals he has put into my life, for sure, but, most intimately, through his Word and Sacraments. Every time I read about his love for me on the Cross; each time I hear the words of absolution; whenever I get a glimpse of him in a tabernacle; the moments I spend with him completely exposed in the monstrance; when I receive him Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity at Mass; I am captivated, moved, known, and loved. There is no better feeling or experience; those of you who have had similar encounters with him know it. Let’s make it our life’s mission to be John the Baptist for those close to us. If we are successful in doing so, I can say without a doubt that Jesus is going to turn around, look at every child, teenager, and adult in Winona-Rochester, ask them, “What are you looking for?” and then lead them on a journey into relationship with him beyond anything we could imagine. By doing so, he is going to completely transform the souls in our diocese, including yours and mine.

I am excited to witness the journey the Lord has in store for us. Please pray for me; I promise to pray for all of you.

Zach Rawson is the Director of Youth Ministry & Faith Formation.