"Young people must be courageous, for we have Jesus as our friend, always ready to give us strength and encouragement."

In our daily lives as Christians, we have at least one close friend who journeys with us every single day: Jesus Himself. As He once said, "I no longer call you servants, I call you friends," because a servant does not know his master's business, but friends know each other's hearts and minds completely.

During the opening Mass of the Kampong Cham Prefecture Youth Convention, Bishop Peter Suon Hangly, Apostolic Prefect of Kampong Cham, delivered a homily urging the youth to be courageous and to consider Jesus as their closest friend.

"On the occasion of this youth convention, under the theme 'Companion on the Journey,' I want you all to know that every day we have a close friend who journeys alongside us, and that is Jesus Christ Himself," the Bishop said. "In our lives, I know you have many friends—fellow human beings, nature, the birds... but most importantly, only Jesus is our ultimate friend who encourages us to be courageous. Even when faced with numerous obstacles, He always leads us forward with courage."

The Gospel reading at the opening of the convention spoke of the events leading to Jesus' return, noting that the apostles would first face persecution. It is compelling to reflect on the Gospel of Luke, which recounts many stories and testimonies of times when Christians were heavily persecuted. Yet, Jesus provided extraordinary spiritual strength so that the various saints, despite the hardships they faced in struggling for their faith, could stand up with confidence to proclaim the Good News according to their respective charisms.

"As for our time, we are gathered here to journey with Jesus. Do we have the courage to make bold choices, just as the Pope has called the youth to be courageous?" the Bishop asked. "Do we have the courage to choose what is right in order to build up our lives, the Church, and the society in which we live? Do we have the courage to follow our faith to the very end? Do we have faith profound enough to understand that even if we die, we will have eternal life? As Jesus promised, 'Not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.'"

"Throughout this convention, I ask all young men and women to have courage like St. Paul, who fought like an athlete striving to reach the finish line. This means reaching the ultimate destination where God leads us to receive complete salvation. Therefore, let us not be discouraged. Even though we sometimes face hardships, persecution, and problems in life, may the Lord grant us the strength to keep moving forward, knowing that Jesus is always our steadfast friend."

By: Roeun Sreymach