January 16th. The Masons were discussing choosing prefects at school. How do you choose the best person for headboy or headgirl?”  “At our school our LO teacher gave us quite a lecture about what to look for and not just choose the most popular person.”  “But why is a person popular in any case?” Amy asked.  “Is it behaviour, attitude? Are they honest, caring for others or just nice to their friends.”  “Would Jesus be a good role model?”  

Reflect, share. Scripture: The Lord said to Samuel, “ Do not look on his appearance for the Lord sees not as man sees. Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”  Samuel anointed David and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him. 1 Samuel 16:1-13.   Pope Francis: “Jesus, ever young” from Christus Vivit,(CV) Pope Francis letter to young people.   From what the gospel tells us, we can say that Jesus in the years of his youth was training, being prepared to carry out the Father’s plan. Jesus did not grow up in a narrow and stifling relationship with Mary and Joseph but readily interacted with the wider family, the relatives of his parents and their friends. We can understand why, when he returned from his pilgrimage to Jerusalem his parents readily thought that as a 12 yearold he was wandering freely among the crowd even they did not see him for an entire day.   They assumed Jesus was mingling with the others, joking with other young people, listening to the adults tell stories and sharing the joys and sorrows of the group on their journey. CV 227-29      Pray: for young people to grow in their relationship with Jesus as a friend and role model. Choose appropriate action.