The Gospel of Jesus Christ is God’s revelation to all mankind for all ages. It is, therefore, always new and applicable to the many cultures of the world. Because the Gospel is God’s eternal word, it transcends all cultures, yet has the power to permeate and transform all cultures at their roots. While cultures are subject to change and influence—even to dying out—the truth and primacy of Christ remains an unquenchable source of life and communion.

The many cultures of the world have many gifts to bring to the church. Although multiculturalism brings many blessings to the church, Pope John Paul II called for caution and highlighted the subservience of culture to the Catholic faith: “Cultural adaptation also requires conversion of heart and even, where necessary, a breaking with ancestral customs incompatible with the Catholic faith. This demands a serious formation in theology, history and culture, as well as sound judgment in discerning what is necessary or useful and what is not useful or even dangerous to faith” (Vicesimus quintus annus, 16).

Our challenge as ministers of the Gospel, whether clergy or laity, is to bring the Gospel to bear on the best and most authentic elements of any culture where the Gospel is preached. In this way the word of God, as well as deeply-rooted Christian communities, will take root in the culture and be an agent for changing the culture where change is needed.

Jesus revealed that the focal point of all humanity, which directs the history of the world upwards and unites all the scattered children of God, is the cross: “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32). This is the rallying point for our youth for from the cross comes the source of unity and life of every Christian nourished by the blood and water which flowed from the heart of Jesus as a fountain of mercy for the life of the world.

Points to Ponder about Bishop Sheridan’s Article

• What does this say to me as a youth ministry leader?
• How do Bishop Sheridan’s words speak to how we engage with and use the culture of our young people to teach Gospel values?
• What would you identify as the “best and most authentic” elements of youth culture? Our U.S. culture? Other cultures within our parish communities?
• What would you identify as the “best and most authentic” elements of our Catholic culture?
• How will you use this information to better form and minister with and to young people in your community?