A Youth Movement

Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

MK. 1:16-17 Youth, arising in each new generation, is the world’s fountain-source of human advancement. Jesus inaugurated the most fruitful youth movement that man has witnessed; for he founded a worthy, constructive, growing, and permanent enterprise. How did he do this?

He selected twelve young men between the approximate ages of eighteen and thirty. They had time, resiliency, stamina, and capacity. They were not bound by the routine responsibilities of homes and organizations. They were not restricted by the fixed prejudices and provincial loyalties so common to old age.

None was hindered by priestly or political ties or aspirations. Their capacity for God had not been crystallized. They were teachable; they were able to see the issues of life; they were able to hear the still, sad music of humanity; they were able to feel indignation and kindness; and they were able to recognize truth and submit themselves to its obligations. They were able, therefore, to grow in wisdom concerning God and man.