Passionate Steward - 10th Anniversary Edition

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Epilogue
Ihave just returned from World Youth Days in Toronto
where one million youth and faithful from around the
globe gathered to profess and deepen their faith. As I spoke with
these young men and women I was surprised to find them frank in
their criticism of some of the practices of the Church and yet
devoted and hopeful for its future.
As we spoke about their Christian journey in faith, each young
person shared with me the most profound desire to emulate Christ
and take up the way of the cross, no matter how heavy it may be.
Invariably, when I asked why, the answer was, “Because it is right.”
In these dynamic young men and women I rediscovered in
myself that optimism which I have too often set aside because of
“practical” reasoning. I think that in some small way we all do this
and indeed, the Church has done so too often when it comes to
stewardship.
If we are to continue to inspire young Christians, newcomers
to our faith, seekers, and inquirers from other traditions, I am
convinced, more than ever, that we must follow the great
commendation of St. Francis, “Preach the Gospel and when