January 31 2025 - St. John Bosco - Breaking cycles of sin through purpose and faith

 

“Whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.”

St. John Bosco was a parish priest who was deeply concerned with the youth of his parish. Many were being arrested for juvenile delinquency, and once in prison, they learned more about crime and would be back in jail soon after their release. So, he worked tirelessly with the young boys in his neighborhood, providing for them a solid education and formation in the faith with the heart of a true shepherd.

 He recognized the dangers young people faced—how they were being drawn into cycles of crime and despair—and sought to break that cycle by providing them with something far greater: hope, purpose, and faith. He understood that juvenile delinquency often stemmed from a lack of guidance, support, and opportunity, and he dedicated his life to filling that void.

 “There are three things to stay on the path to Heaven, he would tell them, “Go to confession regularly, receive Communion often, and choose a regular confessor to whom you can unburden your heart.”  This is good guidance for all of us. Confession allows us to experience God’s mercy and begin anew. Frequent Communion nourishes the soul, strengthening us to resist temptation and grow in virtue. Having a regular confessor ensures a spiritual guide who knows us well and can help us navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and compassion.

John Bosco knew that his work was not only about keeping youth out of trouble but about leading them to heaven. This is a powerful reminder for us today: our efforts with the next generation should not only focus on worldly success but on their eternal destiny. And like those youth, taught and guided by John Bosco, cycles of selfishness and sin in our own life are broken by discovering our purpose in the Lord and seeking it.

May St. John Bosco help us to break those cycles of selfishness in our lives and to be devoted to Godly service, that like him, we may set aflame with the fire of love that impels us to seek out souls in service to Christ, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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During this Catholic Schools week, for all young people, for their teachers and catechists and parents who are the first teachers of the faith, and that the truth of the faith may be learned, cherished, and practiced in every Catholic school and Christian home.

For all young people who have fallen into delinquency, through their patron’s intercession, may they turn away from sin and crime, and develop a deep love for the ways of Christ.

For all those in prison, for those who struggle with addiction and mental distress, that the healing of Christ may bring them wholeness and the promises of Christ may bring them hope.

That the fire of charity may impel all Christians to work for the salvation of souls, for a spread of the Gospel, and the building of God’s kingdom of peace.

For the sick and suffering among us, for those who care for them, and for all of our beloved dead, especially X, for whom this mass is offered, and for the victim of the airline crash Wednesday evening and the comfort of their families.

Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord