Discover the powerful connection between youthful faith and spiritual light in this homily. Join Fr. Nareg Terterian as he explores what it truly means to believe, and why setting an example has nothing to do with age or experience. Most of us think we need years of experience before we can make a difference, but what if youth itself is exactly where God calls us to shine? Fr. Nareg Terterian shares a personal story from his counseling practice — mentoring a young intern who felt rejected for "lacking experience" — to unpack St. Paul's timeless words to his young disciple Timothy: "Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example." Fr. Nareg then turns to the Gospel of John and the nighttime encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus, revealing a striking truth: disbelief is not disagreement or doubt, but the choice to prefer darkness over light. The sermon illustrates just how deeply we crave light — and how Jesus invites each of us out of the darkness that sin leaves behind. He reminds us that from birth, we carry God's light within us, and that walking toward Christ is what allows that light to overcome the darkness that life brings. Key takeaways: Why youth and inexperience are not obstacles to setting a faithful example. St. Paul's encouragement to Timothy and its meaning for us today. The true meaning of disbelief in the Gospel of John: preferring darkness to light. How the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus reveals our need for spiritual light. Embracing God's light as the way to overcome sin and darkness in our lives.
