Newsletter – 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B.

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

Jesus gives us some harsh words: If you are rich, don’t count on getting into the Kingdom of God. Don’t count on entering heaven. Don’t count on receiving all the wealth and riches you are looking for.

Are most teenagers you know more interested in making good money or in doing good things for the world? What are you most interested in?

Do you believe that money can buy happiness?

Do you think most teenagers would agree with you?

Why or why not? What does society’s behaviour indicate?

We don’t hear the name of this rich young man. The Gospel doesn’t tell us that he went away, never to return to Jesus again. We don’t know if he ever did sell his possessions and give the money to the poor, or if he ever came back to follow Jesus.

What do you think happened to him?

If you were telling this story, how would you write the ending? What would happen to this rich young man, and how would he spend the rest of his 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.