October 12. The youth leader said, “Some religions have strict dietary rules about food and how and what to cook.  Some schools have rules about uniforms and hair styles. Clubs too have rules that members are expected to obey.  Is that all done for show, to conform and is breaking such a rule a sin?“  Those questions did give the young people plenty of food for thought and there was quite some discussion about it.  “I’ve never thought about rules about hair like that,” Josie said. “I’ve just thought about it as me having the right to do what I want.”   

The Pharisee was astonished to see that Jesus did not first wash before dinner. Jesus said, “You pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup but inside you are full of extortion and wickedness.  Luke 11: 37-41.   Pope Francis:  Merely technical solutions run the risk of addressing symptoms and not the more serious underlying problems.   There is a need to respect the rights of peoples and cultures. The notion of the quality of life cannot be imposed from without, for it must be understood within the world of symbols and customs proper to each human group.  Our care for the world must also be flexible and dynamic.  LS144. Reflect, share, act and pray.    Am I rigid or flexible in my eco-friendliness?