Newsletter – 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

REFLECTION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE – by Lisa-Marie Calderone-Stewart

Jesus tells us that loving God completely, loving our neighbors, and loving ourselves are our highest commandments.

How are all the other commandments based on these?

Is it ever all right (not sinful) to do something wrong, if no one will ever know about it and no one will ever be hurt by it? How does committing a sin—even a secret sin that is never caught—hurt you?

Every time you make a selfish decision, you teach yourself to be selfish. Every time you lie, you teach yourself to be dishonest. Every time you make a considerate decision, you teach yourself to be caring. Every time you make a moral choice, you teach yourself to have integrity. Every time you do the right thing, you feel more confident, you like yourself more, and you respect yourself more.

If everyone understood these concepts, how would it change the world?

Is it possible to know and understand these concepts, but to ignore them? What kind of decision would it be to ignore them? Why would someone do that?

Whom do you respect? Why do you respect him or her?

Do you respect yourself? Why or why not?

Jesus and this scribe seem to like each other. They affirm each other’s words. It’s hard to tell who’s the teacher and who’s the learner.

Do you know a teacher who has a similar relationship with you? What is that relationship like?

© St Mary’s Press
Lisa-Marie Calderone-Stewart (1958-2011) gained her doctorate in education from Cardinal Stritch University and was associate director of early adolescent ministry in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Previously she served for six years as the director of youth ministry for the Diocese of Grand Island, Nebraska. She also established “Tomorrow’s Present”, a youth leadership ministry. She was a highly regarded speak and wrote many books on spirituality and youth ministry.