June 16. Youth Day.  Deacon Morris had been one of the young people involved in the Soweto uprising of 1976.  He realized that much had changed in the lives of youth and different issues needed to be faced. He told them, “Now girls, no showing off any more.  You know that the boys tease the girls mostly about how they look but the girls challenge the guys on how they act.”  Deacon also reminded them, “Remember the singer Jub Jub, he was a real show-off and where did that get him; jail for killing innocent schoolchildren with his street drag racing.” Jack added, “It’s the same in church.  Some people go to show how holy they are but are they really?  Let’s take this really seriously because it also concerns an eternal reward.” 

Beware of practising your piety before men in order to be seen by them.  For then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. From Matthew 6:1-6. 

Pope Francis: Those who have deep spiritual aspirations should not feel that the family detracts from their growth in the life of the Spirit, but rather see it as a path which the Lord is using to lead them.  AL 316.  Pope Francis tells youth in his letter Christus Vivit, to young people and to the entire people of God: sheer vitality and strength of personality combine in the hearts of young people to make them constantly aim higher.  This exuberance will be tempered by time and painful experiences but it is important for this youthful and still untested yearning for the infinite to encounter unconditional friendship that Jesus offers.   CV190