Rite 13 Sermon
Brian Laustsen, May 16, 2004

According to Webster’s Dictionary, “grow up” means to develop and reach maturity. I find that this statement is a very vague description of such a volatile time of growing up physically, mentally, and spiritually. Growing up is not and cannot be a mechanical, monotonous process by which everyone matures in the same way at the same point in life. People change based on the environment in which they live and life experiences and situations that are placed before them.

Therefore, it is a safe assumption to say that without living through the ups and downs of life, we never really do “grow up”. One can be physically an adult, but still has the mentality of a child. One can be raised by parents who make every single decision for them and still grow up, but when it comes time for that person to make decisions on his own, he falters because he never had to make a decision as a child. We grow mentally and spiritually due to the situations in which we are put in and how we react to them. Decision making is an integral part of a person’s adolescent years.

We as human beings make more choices each day than we even realize. Whether it’s deciding which outfit to wear, choosing what to eat at a meal, or deciding to help a person in need, each choice we make has repercussions that affect both the situation and the course of the future. Although we may not think much about every decision we make, one person’s choice can affect someone’s day or a person’s life.

Throughout this year our Rite 13 group has discussed the choices we make on a daily basis and the consequences that follow them, both short term and long term. We’ve talked about a variety of topics pertinent to teenagers, such as friends and family, love, peer pressure, grief, and most importantly, God. Discussions were centered on the theme that choices we make affect us and those around us either positively or negatively in each of the situations mentioned before.

The choices we make as Christians influence our spiritual lives. In fact, without the decisions that Jesus Christ made, as well as his followers and those who condemned him to death, we would not be sitting in this Church right now. During the agonizing six hours of Christ’s crucifixion, on top of the events leading up to His passion, Christ could have simply climbed down the cross and walked away, if His heart so desired. However, Jesus took it upon Himself, His very own choice, to endure the suffering of the crucifixion in order to forgive our sins and redeem us as human beings. By His decisions we sit here today celebrating the miracle of the Resurrection and our heritage as Christians.

Today’s readings reflect the theme of decision making. The first reading, from the book of Proverbs talks about what a person should and should not do. “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts. Never say anything that isn’t true. Have nothing to do with lies and misleading words. Look straight ahead with honest confidence; don’t hand your head in shame. Plan carefully what you do, and whatever you do will turn out right. Avoid evil and walk straight ahead. Don’t go one step off the right way.” This passage teaches us right and wrong, the basic, everyday struggle between what is good and what is bad. By learning right from wrong, we shape ourselves as Christians and people so we are able to walk down the right path in life.

In the second lesson, Paul speaks also of what we should and should not do as Christians. “…We are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that god has given us. If our gift is to speak God’s message, we should do it according to the faith that we have; if it is to serve, we should serve; if it is to teach, we should teach; if it is to encourage others, we should do so. Whoever shares with others should do it generously; whoever has authority should work hard; whoever shows kindness to others should do it cheerfully. Love must be completely sincere.” The passage just mentioned dictates our duties as Christians and that we must carry them out in a manner by which God is pleased. Paul continues: “Love must be completely sincere. Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good. Love one another warmly as Christian brothers, and be eager to show respect for one another. Work hard and do not be lazy. Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion. Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in troubles, and pray at all times.” This segment of the lesson harkens back to the first reading in which we are told to learn right from wrong in order to grow as human beings.

The Gospel lesson speaks of acceptance and forgiveness, two traits that people must have in order to cope with choices made by themselves and by others. “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them-what does he do? He leaves the other ninety-nine sheep in the pasture and goes looking for the one that is lost until he finds it. When he finds it, he is so happy that he puts it on his shoulders and carries it back home. Then he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘I am so happy I found my lost sheep. Let us celebrate.’” As Christians, we must not forget those who have gone astray from the rest of us. We must help that person get back on the right track, and when they do, we must rejoice in the return of the “lost sheep” to the rest of the “herd”.

As for today’s Rite 13 celebrities, Brianna, Colin, and Devin, today marks the end of one stage in your life and the beginning of another on the journey to adulthood. Remember the lessons and virtues of today’s readings. Remember all of our classroom discussions and class experiences over the past couple years. Most importantly, remember all of your family and friends as well as your Journey to Adulthood family. These three things will help you continue through the culmination of middle school, the journey of high school, and what lies beyond on the path to adulthood.

The Bible provides us comfort in a world filled with situations where choices need to be made. It tells us right from wrong, how to effectively make decisions that are not always easy, and how to go about dealing with the consequences of our choices. Decisions impact every single aspect of our lives and help us grow. And the words of the bible, through the writings of the great scribes of the Old Testament, the accounts of the teachings of Jesus Christ, and the works of the apostles described in the New Testament, help us grow too.