June 27. “Is bullying more of an issue in high school or in the younger years?”  Mrs Petzer asked her teenage children. Some responded, “It takes different forms at different ages and can also be more psychologically subtle as kids grow older. I didn’t ever tell you much about it, but in grade 10 there was another girl who told stories about me that weren’t even true.  That is also bullying and was jolly hurtful because it affected how others treated me.”  “Bullying is real cruelty at any age and says much about the bully.  Is the answer for someone stronger than him – or her – to do the same to them or is there another way?” 

Reflect, share, act. Scripture:  Do not throw your pearls before swine. Whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. Matt 7:12. Pope Francis to the youth:  When God sent the prophet Jeremiah he gave him the power to “pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.” It is the same for you. Bringing the Gospel is bringing God’s power to pluck up and break down evil and violence, to destroy and overthrow the barriers of selfishness, intolerance and hatred so as to build a new world. World Youth Day Rio 2013