Newsletter – 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B.

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

In both the first reading and the Gospel, the same situation occurs. Joshua and John are concerned because an outsider is doing the kinds of things they are supposed to be doing. Moses and Jesus reassure them: There is nothing to worry about. The more, the merrier. Do not be jealous or insecure.

When have you been jealous of someone else? When has someone’s actions, talents, accomplishments or friendships worried you? When have you begun to feel concerned that someone else’s success might make your success less important or impressive?

When has someone shut you out of their circle of friends? What was it like? How did you deal with it?

Have you ever tried to shut someone out of your circle of friends? Why? What was the problem? What happened?

Jesus says that whenever we give someone even just a cup of water in his name, we will have our reward.

What do you think it means to give something or to do something ‘in Jesus’ name’?

Have you ever decided to serve Jesus in that way? What was that like?

Have you had the opportunity to serve Jesus in that way but chose to put it off, or decided to do otherwise? What influenced your decision?

Do you think most teenagers would see serving Jesus as a worthy goal or priority? Why or why not? If not, what do you think of that opinion? How is serving Jesus any different from making the world a better place?

© 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.