Newsletter – 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B.

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

Elijah is exhausted and ready to give up. He asks God to take his life.

Have you ever felt that way? If so, what were the stresses and pressures that led you to that point? How did you get through it? If not, do you know anyone who has felt that way? Can you imagine being in that situation? What would you do? Elijah doesn’t want to take care of himself. He just wants to die. But an angel tells him to take care of his bodily needs or he won’t have the strength he needs for the journey ahead.

Do you take good care of yourself? If so, how? If not, why not? Do your parents ever encourage you to take better care of yourself? What do they tell you? Does it makes sense? Do you follow their advice? Why or why not?

God has big plans for Elijah, who already has done so much work telling people about God. And God is there for Elijah, helping him out when he doesn’t know what to do or where to go.

Do you think God has big plans for you? Why or why not? What might God’s plans be for you? What are your plans? Do you think your plans will ever get in the way of God’s plans? Do you think God’s plans could ever get in the way of your plans? Why or why not? How can someone figure out what plans God has in mind for their life?

© 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.