Blaze friends and leaders gather for a photo out on the church plaza.
At Blaze, a ministry for middle school girls, we tackle the difference between the lies the world tells us and the truth of God’s word. Utilizing John chapter 15 at a recent meeting, we delved into what true friendship looks like. While sharing a meal with His closest friends the night before He was crucified, Jesus said, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for a friend.” The next day, on the cross, He demonstrated love for his friends and enemies. The act of sacrifice is the cornerstone of true friendship, and this commitment to sacrifice binds us in our relationships.
Society often emphasizes the advancement of self to find happiness, and, in turn, sacrificing our time for the greater good is not a priority. At CTK, we are fortunate that Blaze’s adult and high school leaders demonstrate God’s vision for friendship by generously giving their time and talent in ministry to our middle school girls. Parishioner and adult ministry leader Remy Votta shared, “I grew up in the Christ the King youth group, and the love I found in Jesus shaped who I am today. Now, I get to share that same love with the next generation of girls. I hope every girl who walks through our doors feels seen, valued, and loved during our time together!”
As a team, we’ve been actively demonstrating love for others. Recently, our ministry participated in the parish’s local mission to the SSJNC. The girls grated cheese, sauteed meat, boiled pasta, washed many dishes, and packaged over 35 casseroles for our Neighbors. It was a joyful day as we served God by serving others and deepened the bonds of friendship with one another.
This Lent, we encourage you to find the time to seek God’s vision for friendship. Who is He calling you to love through sacrificing your time to be present to them?
Veronica Spilker is the Coordinator of Evangelization