My dear young people,
Many people think Christianity is a list of “don’ts.”
Don’t do this. Don’t go there. Don’t say that.
Sometimes it seems as if God is always saying “No.”
But today’s Gospel reveals something different.
Jesus does not begin by saying, “Don’t.” He begins by saying, “Come.” He calls the Twelve by name. He gives them authority. He entrusts them with a mission. Before there is any sacrifice, there is an invitation. Before there is a cross, there is a calling.
That is how God works.
Every “no” that God gives is meant to protect a greater “yes.”
God says no to sin because He says yes to your freedom.
He says no to selfishness because He says yes to love.
He says no to lies because He says yes to truth.
He says no to what destroys you because He says yes to the person He created you to become.
The world often tells you that happiness comes from having no limits. But think about it. A river without banks becomes a flood. A game without rules becomes chaos. Music without rhythm becomes noise. Limits do not destroy beauty—they make beauty possible.
God’s commandments are not prison walls. They are the loving boundaries of a Father who wants His children to flourish.
When Jesus sends the disciples to proclaim, “The Kingdom of heaven is at hand,” He is announcing God’s greatest “Yes” to humanity. In Jesus, God says, “Yes, I want to be close to you. Yes, I want to forgive you. Yes, I want to heal you. Yes, I want you to share My life forever.”
Young people, don’t define your faith by what God asks you to give up. Define it by what God wants to give you.
Don’t focus only on the “no” to sin. Focus on God’s “yes” to a life filled with purpose, authentic joy, lasting love, and eternal hope.
Whenever God closes one door, it is because He is opening another that leads to life.
So don’t ask, “What is God taking away from me?”
Ask instead, “What beautiful ‘yes’ is God inviting me to?”
Because God’s “yes” is always greater than God’s “no.”
Amen.
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