The Youth as Reconciling Presence

As I reflect on “The Youth as Reconciling Presence,” as this was highlighted in the recent Kasing-Panaw,[1] I realized that in every situation we have to look deeply for us to understand clearly, because it is easy for us to judge a person, a thing, and even a group or organization without looking on its purpose and goals. As a young person, I realized that I am called to be a bearer of hope and reconciliation, so that in all trials, difficulties, pains, and struggles, then I can be the one who would always seek for guidance, hope, healing and peace.

Another thing, as a young person, I also realized that I need guidance, just like my co-youth as well. This will help me to good and healthy relationships with others despite the differences in cultures and traditions. Through the guidance from other people, then, this will certainly help me in making good and right decisions in the way I relate with people around me.

Thus, there are at least two important points that I want to highlight in our role as young people in the Prelature of Marawi in promoting and becoming a reconciling presence.

First, “as young people, we are the emergent leaders of tomorrow and crucial actors in our church as well as in the society today.” This gives the importance of the youth who are also called as a leader and  vital actors of society and church in promoting peace and reconciliation. This also means that we, as young people, should be responsible in everything that we do because this will reflect on the things that we are capable enough.

Hence, I have indeed realized, that I am an emergent leader of tomorrow because of the skills, talents, as well as the potentials that I have. It is my call to use my voice and presence to empower my co-youth to also become more realistic and grounded.

Second, “as young people, we are Agents of Reconciliation, with unique qualities and perspectives.” We as the Youth of today, are often perceived as the future generation, possess unique qualities that can actually serve as the catalysts for Reconciliation. We as young people, with our empathy, fresh perspectives and adaptability hold immense potential to bridge the gap caused by conflicts and biases between cultures and faith traditions. We this, we can contribute to create a kinder, just and more unbiassed world. By addressing the present challenges and embracing the opportunities for empowering Youth, our community can harness the unique qualities of our youth so that we can build and create a future where reconciliation is not just a dream but also a hope and a reality.      

In conclusion, this moves me to always remember that we are indeed the future leaders of our nation, society, and even church. This begins now by applying all the good behaviors that can lead us achieve a peaceful and face society for all.

However, we are just humans too, we commit mistakes but the most important is to learn from our past mistakes so that reconciliation will still be possible for us. By learning from our past experiences, this will hopefully make us more active bearer of hope and reconciliation in our small communities. Indeed,  I believe that “We, The Youth, as Future Leaders of Tomorrow” can also be “The Bearers of Hope for Reconciliation and Peace.”

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[1]The Kasing-Panaw was a Youth Gathering of the Prelature of Marawi held on August 24-26, 2024 at San Isidro Labrador Parish, Balabagan, Lanao del Sur.