Called To Courage

The Courage Costume Challenge Game

This activity helps the group relax and laugh together before the discussion. It also introduces the idea that courage can feel awkward at first. You will need a bag or box filled with random clothing or costume items. These can include hats, scarves, funny glasses, oversized shirts, capes made from towels, or anything unusual. The sillier the items are, the better the game will work.

Place the bag of costume items at the front of the room. Ask for several volunteers. One at a time, each volunteer must reach into the bag without looking and pull out three items. They must immediately put them on over their clothes. Once they are wearing the items, give them a simple challenge they must complete while wearing the costume.

The challenge should be slightly silly but easy. For example, they might have to introduce themselves as a superhero, deliver a dramatic speech about why pizza should be served every day at school, or convince the group that socks are the best fashion choice ever. Give each volunteer about thirty seconds to perform their challenge while the group cheers them on.

After several volunteers have gone, invite the group to clap for everyone who participated. Thank the volunteers for being willing to look a little ridiculous for the sake of the group. You can even ask the group to vote for the funniest performance.

Follow-Up Questions

• How did it feel to go up in front of everyone wearing something silly?
• What made it easier for the volunteers to do it?
• Was it easier because people were cheering instead of laughing at them?
• Do you think it would have been harder if people were judging them or making fun of them?

Sometimes doing something good or brave can feel a little like standing in front of a group wearing a silly costume. You might feel nervous or wonder what people will think. Even when you know something is the right thing to do, it can still feel uncomfortable.

The disciples in today’s Gospel also faced moments where they needed courage. Jesus asked them to go out into the world and share his message. That meant speaking up, teaching others, and living their faith even when people might question them or disagree with them.

In the scripture we are about to hear, Jesus gives his followers a mission and a promise. He sends them out to live what he has taught, and he reminds them that he will always be with them. As we listen to the reading, think about what it might mean to have courage as a follower of Jesus in your own life.

Read Matthew 28:16-20 (The Great Commission), the Gospel for the Ascension of the Lord Year A:

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them.

When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted.

Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.

And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

In Matthew 28:16–20, the disciples meet Jesus on a mountain in Galilee. This happens after the Resurrection. The disciples have been through confusing and frightening days. They saw Jesus die, and now they see him alive again. Matthew tells us that when they see Jesus, they worship him. But the Gospel also says that some of them still doubt. Even in this important moment, they are still trying to understand everything.

This detail matters. It shows us that the disciples were not fearless heroes. They were ordinary people who were still learning how to trust Jesus. Even so, Jesus gives them an important mission. He tells them to go and make disciples of all nations. He tells them to teach people to follow what he has taught. This mission will take courage.

The disciples will have to leave the place where they feel safe. They will have to speak about Jesus in places where people might not believe them. Some people will welcome them. Others will not. In fact, many of the first followers of Jesus faced rejection and danger. Yet Jesus still sends them out.

Before they go, Jesus reminds them of something important. He says that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. Then he ends with a promise: “I am with you always, until the end of the age.” The disciples are not sent out alone. Jesus goes with them. His presence gives them the courage they need.

You might think this story is only about the first disciples, but it also connects to your life. You may not be traveling to different countries to preach the Gospel. But every day you are in places where your choices matter. Your school, your sports team, your family, and your group of friends are all places where you live as a follower of Jesus.

Sometimes living your faith takes courage. Think about moments at school when someone is being teased or excluded. Maybe a student sits alone at lunch. Maybe someone is made fun of because of how they look, talk, or act. It can be uncomfortable to step in during moments like that. You might worry about what your friends will think. You might worry that people will turn on you. But choosing kindness in that moment is a way of standing up for what is right.

Courage can also mean refusing to join in when others are doing something wrong. Maybe people are spreading rumors about someone. Maybe there is pressure to cheat on a test or copy someone else’s work. When you choose honesty instead, you are showing the kind of life Jesus calls his followers to live. These choices may seem small, but they matter.

Standing up for what is right does not always mean giving a speech or arguing with people. Often it shows up in quiet actions. You might invite someone to sit with you. You might defend a person who is not there to defend themselves. You might choose to treat others with respect even when it is not popular. These simple actions reflect the teachings of Jesus.

The disciples also had to learn courage over time. When Jesus first called them, they did not understand everything. They made mistakes and sometimes acted out of fear. Even after the Resurrection, some of them still had doubts. Yet Jesus still trusted them with his mission. He did not wait until they had everything figured out.

The same is true for you. You do not need to be perfect to follow Jesus. You might have questions about your faith. You might sometimes feel unsure about what to do. That is part of growing. What matters is that you keep trying to follow the way Jesus teaches.

Remember the promise Jesus makes at the end of this passage. He says that he will be with his followers always. When you face a difficult choice, you are not alone. When you try to do the right thing, Jesus is with you. His presence gives strength and guidance.

Courage does not always feel dramatic. Often it looks like everyday faithfulness. It looks like kindness when others are unkind. It looks like honesty when others cut corners. It looks like welcoming someone who feels left out. Each of these choices helps share the message Jesus gave his disciples on that mountain.

When you choose to stand up for what is right, you are continuing the mission Jesus began with those first followers. You become part of the work he gave them to do. Your words, actions, and choices can help others see what it means to live as a disciple of Jesus.

Small groups help youth share ideas and listen to one another. Invite participants to speak honestly, but remind them they do not have to share anything that makes them uncomfortable. Encourage everyone to listen with respect and avoid interrupting. The goal is not to find perfect answers but to think about how the Gospel connects to real life. Give the group time to reflect on each question and allow different people a chance to speak.

• When you hear that some of the disciples doubted even when they saw Jesus, what does that tell you about faith?
• What are some situations at school where it can be hard to stand up for what is right?
• Have you ever seen someone stand up for another person who was being treated unfairly? What happened?
• Why do you think people sometimes stay quiet when they see something wrong?
• What might give someone the courage to speak up or act with kindness when others do not?
• What are some small actions that can show kindness or fairness in your school or community?
• Jesus promised to be with his followers always. How might remembering this promise help someone make a brave choice?
• Think about the coming week. Is there one situation where you might have the chance to stand up for what is right? What could that look like?

During the coming week, pay attention to moments when you have the chance to choose kindness or fairness. Try to notice when someone around you is left out, teased, or ignored. If you see that happening, take a small step to help. Sit with someone who is alone, invite them into a group, or say something kind. These simple actions can make a big difference for someone who feels unnoticed.

Also watch for moments when you feel pressure to join in with something you know is not right. This might be gossip, making fun of someone, or going along with cheating or lying. Instead of joining in, choose a different path. Stay quiet, change the subject, or speak up in a respectful way. Ask Jesus to help you make these choices, and remember that he promised to be with you wherever you go.

Let us take a moment to quiet ourselves and remember that Jesus is with us.

Jesus, you called your disciples and sent them into the world. You trusted them even when they were still learning and still had questions. Help us remember that you also call each of us to follow you in our daily lives.

Give us courage when we face moments where it is hard to do the right thing. Help us notice when someone needs kindness or support. Teach us to stand up for what is fair and to treat others with respect.

When we feel nervous or unsure, remind us of your promise that you are always with us. Stay close to us in our schools, our homes, and our friendships. Help our words and actions show your love to the people around us.

We ask this in the name of Christ our Lord. Amen.

Themes

• Living As Disciples: Jesus sends his followers into the world. This reminds us that faith is meant to be lived, not hidden. Young people learn that their daily choices can show they belong to Jesus.
• Courage In Faith: Following Jesus sometimes requires bravery. People may not always agree with Christian values. This lesson encourages youth to stay faithful even when it feels difficult.
• Jesus Sends Us: The Great Commission shows that every believer has a mission. The disciples were sent to teach and share the message of Jesus. Young people are also called to share faith through their words and actions.
• Jesus Is Always With Us: Jesus promises to remain with his followers. This gives comfort when people face fear or uncertainty. Youth learn that they are never alone when they try to do what is right.
• Standing For Justice: The Gospel calls Christians to treat others fairly. Speaking up when someone is treated badly is part of living the faith. Young people learn that kindness and fairness matter.
• Witness Through Actions: Faith is often shown through actions rather than speeches. Helping others and showing respect can reflect the teachings of Jesus. These small actions can influence others in positive ways.
• Community Of Believers: The disciples received their mission together. The Church continues this shared mission today. Youth learn that faith grows stronger when people support one another.
• Growing In Faith: The disciples were still learning when Jesus sent them out. They had questions and doubts. This reminds youth that faith develops over time.
• Responding To God’s Call: God invites people to take part in his work. Each person has gifts and opportunities to serve. Youth can begin noticing how they are called to help others.
• Baptism And Mission: Jesus tells the disciples to baptize and teach. Baptism welcomes people into the life of the Church. This reminds youth that they belong to a community with a shared purpose.
• Everyday Holiness: Holiness is not only for saints in history. It grows through simple choices like honesty, kindness, and forgiveness. Youth learn that daily life can be a path to living close to God.
• Trust In Christ: The disciples had to trust Jesus when they went out. They did not know exactly what would happen. Youth learn that trust in Jesus helps guide their decisions.

Background Material

Matthew 28:16–20 is often called the Great Commission. In this passage, the risen Jesus meets his disciples and sends them into the world. He tells them to make disciples of all nations, baptize them, and teach them to follow his commands. This moment is important for the Church. It shows that the mission of Jesus continues through his followers.

The disciples are not presented as perfect or fearless. The Gospel says that some of them still doubt. Even so, Jesus sends them out. This shows that God works through ordinary people who are still learning. The same message applies to young people today. Faith grows over time as people try to follow Jesus in their daily lives.

The Catholic Church teaches that every baptized person shares in the mission of Jesus. Through baptism, Christians become members of the Body of Christ and part of the life of the Church. They are called to live the Gospel and help others come to know Jesus. This mission is not only for priests and missionaries. It belongs to the whole Church.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that the Church exists to share the message of Christ with the world. It says, “The Church, sent by God to the nations to be the ‘universal sacrament of salvation,’ … strives to preach the Gospel to all men” (CCC 849). This teaching reminds Catholics that faith is meant to be shared through words, actions, and daily life.

This mission is not only carried out by missionaries in distant countries. It also happens in everyday life. Christians share the faith through their words, actions, and choices. A kind word, an act of forgiveness, or standing up for someone who is treated unfairly can all reflect the teachings of Jesus. Young people take part in the Church’s mission when they live with honesty, kindness, and courage.

Scripture often connects faith with courage. In the Old Testament, God reminds his people not to be afraid. For example, Joshua hears these words from the Lord: “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). This promise is similar to the words Jesus speaks in Matthew 28 when he says, “I am with you always.” The presence of God gives believers strength to live their faith.

The lives of the saints also show this kind of courage. Many saints stood up for what was right even when it was difficult. Some faced rejection or danger because of their faith. Others showed courage through simple acts of love and service. Their lives remind us that courage in faith can appear in both big and small ways.

Catholic social teaching also supports this lesson. The Church teaches that every person has dignity because each person is created by God. Because of this dignity, Christians are called to defend those who are treated unfairly. Speaking up for others and choosing kindness are ways of living out this teaching.

This lesson plan helps youth see how these ideas connect to their own lives. The mission Jesus gave his disciples continues in the Church today. Young people are part of that mission. When they choose honesty, kindness, and courage, they help share the message of the Gospel in the places where they live, study, and spend time with friends.

Music Suggestions

• Go Make a Difference by Steve Angrisano
• 10000 Reasons by Matt Redman
• Shine Jesus Shine by Graham Kendrick
• Lord, You Give the Great Commission