Newsletter – Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B.

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

Jesus tells the Twelve to go out in pairs, so friendship must be important. Jesus doesn’t want us to go it alone.

Who are your closest friends?

What do you like about your friends? What do they like about you?

Jesus tells the Twelve to stay where they are welcome, and to leave when they are not.

Where do you feel welcome? Where is a place you feel safe and secure? Why is that?

When have you not felt welcome? When have you had to move on because things were not working out the way you had hoped.

Jesus tells the Twelve not to take any money or extra clothes. They have no plan and no map. They just have to take the risk, trust in their faith, and see what happens.

How is that like your life? How is that unlike your life?

Jesus does tell them to take a walking stick – to support them as they journey.

What gives you support? Do you have a hobby or an activity that gives your life structure and helps you to find meaning?

© 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.