June 22.  Which girl, or boy, for that matter, hasn’t stood in front of their cupboard before a party and said, “I’ve got nothing to wear?”  It’s funny that Jesus chose such practical examples, but maybe in an exaggerated way, to make his point. Nowadays clothes have become so much part of one’s identity it is hard to be able to detach oneself from spending all one’s money and energy on appearances and neglect the things of God’s kingdom, like helping someone who really needs clothes or food or money for school books or remembering that parents have worked hard to be able to afford what young people take for granted. Have you ever looked at a new outfit in a shop and said “No, I won’t spend my money on that. It’s not right.” 

Reflect, share, scripture: Pope Francis:  Do not be anxious saying, what shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or what shall we wear?: The Gentiles seek all these things and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom and his righteousness and all these things shall be yours as well. Matt 6:24–34.  Pope Francis: The emptier a person’s heart is, the more he or she needs things to buy, own and consume.  Obsession with a consumerist lifestyle above all when few people are capable of maintaining it, can only lead to violence and mutual destruction.  LS204.  ACTION AND PRAYER.  Discuss what it means to “live simply so that others may simply live.”