Faith and hope in universities

The OM team in Italia had the opportunity contribute to the training of university students at an event run by Gruppi Biblici Universitari (GBU or University Biblical Groups), a network of Christian student fellowships across the country. 

Benji (Italia) said: “A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of spending time with the GBU, sharing with students from central and northern Italia moments of reflection on the letter to the Hebrews and the great work of Christ.

“The university years are a unique phase: a period of exploration between traditions and freedom, between excesses and decisive choices. We have been willing to learn for years, but at the same time, we start to define our future. It is precisely in this tension that faith is put to the test, but it is also here that it can be more deeply rooted.

“Many students seek answers in their surroundings: in ideas, in relationships, in experiences. Some rediscover faith with new maturity, while others risk leaving it on the margins. Many do not do it out of explicit rebellion, but out of simple carelessness. The reality, however, is that there is no other response as complete and transforming as that of the gospel. Jesus is not only an idea to explore, but the only one who really knows us, to the depths of our weaknesses and frailties and invites us to follow Him with confidence."

A great High Priest

"Having therefore a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, we stand firm in the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with us into our weaknesses, for he was tempted as we are in everything, without committing sin. Let us therefore approach with full confidence the throne of grace, to obtain mercy and to find grace and to be rescued at the appropriate time." – Hebrews 4:14-16

During the weekend, Benji and the students studied the passage from Hebrews and what it means to have Christ as the high priest, the one who creates access to the presence of God.

"We have reflected on who Christ is, how He responds to the problem of sin and what His sacrifice means to us. These are not just theological questions, but questions that shape our lives and our way of witnessing to faith in the contexts in which we live," Benji explained.

"I have seen college students address these questions with seriousness, eager to understand more deeply and to bring Christ’s message to their campuses, eager to love their friends and fellow travellers, sharing with them the revolutionary news of grace. 

"There were young people from Florence, Bologna, Parma, Ferrara and Pisa, all committed to living and sharing their faith with passion and authenticity. It is not easy, but in difficulties, you see the beauty of their perseverance. Their courage can only fill the heart of the Italian church with joy and hope."

Essential knowledge

Looking back on his own university years, Benji realises how essential it was to know that Jesus was there for him. "He knows my temptations and weaknesses, and for this reason, He chooses to take me by the hand and guide me personally in the presence of God. I could never do this on my own. It is this awareness that still calls me not to neglect this great salvation. 

"Let us pray that the proclamation of faith in Christ will burst with power into Italian universities and the perseverance to which we are called, the greatest wealth we have, can accompany us at every moment and in every area of our lives.”