Newsletter – Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B.

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

Jesus emphasises the purity that is in our hearts and the purity reflected by our actions. The people criticising him emphasise the appearance of purity and the cleansing rituals required by Law in order to avoid becoming ‘ritually unclean’.

How much time, money, and energy is invested in cosmetics, hair products, fashionable clothing, and the like – just so we have the appearance of being popular and successful? Can any of these products actually make someone a better person? How so? What would Jesus say about our addiction to these products?

As a society and a culture, do you think we are more interested in actual success or in the appearance of success? What is your definition of success?

How much energy or effort goes into making ourselves better people? What opportunities are there for people to address what’s on the inside of a person? What steps do you take (or can you take) to improve yourself from the inside out?

© 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.