Newsletter – 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B.

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

James and John each want to be the ‘main man’ for Jesus. Clearly, they are trying to be ‘teacher’s pets’.

Have you ever tried to become someone’s favourite? What was the outcome?

As you can imagine, the others are upset that James and John are trying to make secret deals on the side in order to outrank the rest of the Apostles.

Have you ever felt slighted by someone else’s success at outranking you and becoming the favourite?

Jesus is onto their little scheme. He knows what they are attempting, and he tells them that wanting such high status is going to cost them.

Do you think their scheme worked? Do you think Jesus favoured them above the rest?

Do you think they learned their lesson? What did they learn?

What do you think the other Apostles learned from this situation?

What do you think you need to learn from this situation?

© 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.