Back in Davao City: NYD delegate returns home ‘pure in heart’

When I attended the National Youth Day, I did all my best to prepare my soul for the event, for it was then a spiritual journey after all. I confessed, attended Mass, and read spiritual books.

One thing that truly touched me in the journey was when the daughter of my foster parents shared her life to me. She told me that she has vices and is living an impure life.

I felt sad especially when she told me that teenagers in her school do the same. It was ironic for we were there fighting for purity of heart and talking about good things. But, I felt blessed for God led me to the right path. It challenged me as a youth leader.

The National Youth Day in Tuguegarao weeks ago was very enlightening especially when other young people shared a part of their lives. The trust and transparency I got from them was such a wonderful gift. The occasion allowed me to meet the warriors of God. Amidst persecutions of the modern world, they fought tirelessly to remain pure, allowed themselves to be controlled by the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and in tuned with the will of God every day of their lives.

Afterwards, I realized that I need to do something as a response to God’s message. As a leader and an expectant disciple of Jesus’ birth and second coming, I always remind myself that, if I change, everything changes.

Being an imitator of Christ first would make me a better disciple of God. As no one lights a lamp and puts it under the table, so are the good deeds that I will be doing by the grace of God, it shall be seen and others shall praise God and follow Him.

I must allow myself to be prepared every day, asking God’s grace in the present moment; take care of my duties in school, church, and family with love; obey the church and its leaders.

I always believe that it’s not in great things we did where merits come from, but as how we do things and develop virtues as the NYD theme highlights: “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.”

Only the pure in heart can truly find and see Jesus during His birth and be with Him in His second coming. It’s just all about desiring Jesus first and everything else will follow for He is the greatest leader who ever lived on earth. (Jay Ann C. Peteros | KALAKBAY Youth)