June 16. YOUTH DAY.  “Why did Jesus make such difficult statements,” Maysie asked her mother. “Surely if someone hurts me I’ve got a right to defend myself or fight back?”  She replied, “I do agree that Jesus made many difficult statements for his way, this “blueprint” for a new kingdom. We do find them difficult and challenging but he is proposing an ideal society of love and justice to aim for.” “I can see that would also be a good message for Youth Day as we remember the injustices the youth of 1976 experienced. but Nelon Mandela has told us all, “Never again…….”  “I think some of our world leaders of today need to take that to heart, as Pope Francis tried to tell us too and Pope Leo certainly repeats.”    .  

Reflect, share and act. Scripture:  “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.  I say “Do not resist one who is evil. If anyone strikes you on the right cheek turn to him the other also and if anyone would see you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well.“   Matt 5:38-42.  Pope Francis:   Whenever our eyes are opened to acknowledge the other, we grow in the light of faith and knowledge of God.   Whenever we encounter another person in love we learn something new about God.  EG 272. JUBILEE: We need to “abound in hope” (cf. Rom 15:13), so that we may bear credible and attractive witness to the faith and love that dwell in our hearts; that our faith may be joyful and our charity enthusiastic; and that each of us may be able to offer a smile, a small gesture of friendship, a kind look, a ready ear, a good deed, in the knowledge that, in the Spirit of Jesus, these can become, for those who receive them, rich seeds of hope.  SNC 18.  Act and pray. For the needs of all the young people in our country today.