19 January. Discipline.  SEE: Could New year resolutions be made about what kind of behaviour is acceptable, in all kinds of circumstances? Discipline is a tough issue nowadays and parents and educators have to find positive ways to punish children when they disobey the rules, as corporal punishment is no longer considered acceptable. Confiscating a child’s phone, or restricting their TV or computer access, or grounding them, preventing their going out with friends, are punishments while living with the consequences of unacceptable behaviour are also punishment in themselves.  But on more societal levels, should law enforcement not be stricter, even obeying traffic rules?   Have we lost the attitude of the common good as a foundation for honesty, justice and even fairness?  Discuss what the rules of the house should be and what punishment there should be for disobedience.

JUDGE, reflect and share: King Saul disobeyed the commands of the Lord in a battle so Samuel, the judge, told Saul of God’s severe punishment.  “Since you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.”  Samuel 15:16-23. Pope Francis: It is essential to help children to realise that misbehaviour has consequences.   They need to be encouraged to put themselves in other people’s shoes and acknowledge the hurt they have caused.  AL 268.  Pope Leo:   In today’s world, justice and human dignity are at an alarming risk amid global power imbalances.  We need to encourage and support every spiritual, cultural and political initiative that keeps hope alive, countering the spread of “fatalistic terms, as if the dynamics involved were the product of anonymous impersonal forces or structures independent of the human will.” We must promote self-awareness in civil societies, forms of responsible association, experiences of nonviolent participation, and practices of restorative justice on both a small and large scale.   PEACE MESSAGE 1 Jan.

ACT: Decide on possible appropriate action especially within one’s own environment.   Conclude with prayer