COV Fall Youth Catechism by Maddy Borth

I am horrified. How am I going to tell a bunch of 12-18 year olds what it looks like for

them to honor their father and mother. Just 6 days earlier, a friend told me that I am not

living out this commandment. She gave voice to my growing awareness that I needed to

reckon with God, myself, and my family. How am I supposed to teach something that I am

struggling to practice myself? There must be people more qualified than me for this.

On a school bus headed towards the coast with my roommate, we analyze my relationship

with my parents. If I wanted to be closer with them, I would do something about it, so I

must not actually want it. I am a fraud.

On the beach with a professor, we revisit what my roommate and I discussed. "Should I

even tell them how I really feel?" I ask him. He discloses that it will be hard either way,

and they need to see me hurt. I am resentful.

Driving to Seattle with a friend, I lay out what has been on my mind. She directs me to the

truth: I need to trust in the miracle-working power of the gospel, and I am called to honor

my father and mother. I am exposed.

Peering out the window into the valley below I consider if I should get involved in youth

ministry? I contemplate and decide that I am not in the right season of life or the kind of

person that the role necessitates. The following evening, I bump into Father Sean and he

asks if I have ever thought about teaching. He shares that youth catechism is coming up in

the Fall, and we need a couple more catechists. I am hesitant.

My parents and I make plans for them to come and visit me in early September. I know

something will inevitably happen. I am desperate.

As we divide up the weeks of youth catechism, I get stuck with “honor your father and mother.”

This assignment is the final push I needed to make a change in my life. Never have I heard so

clearly from Him, what I needed to do. I am being led by the Spirit.

Over breakfast, I begin to be vulnerable and share with my parents what is going on in my life.

They acknowledge the ways they have probably hurt me and made it difficult to be in a genuine

relationship with them. I am hopeful.

Preparing for youth catechism has been an uphill battle. It has refined me and forced me to

admit that I am a work in progress. And reminded me that I am called to share His truth. I

am a vessel.

I am horrified. I am a fraud. I am resentful. I am exposed. I am hesitant. I am desperate.

I am being led by the Spirit. I am hopeful. I am a work in progress. I am a vessel.