Resources and Reflections for the Gospel of John

Who Are You? Discussion and Reflection Questions

This reflection helps youth consider the question which was asked of John the Baptist: “Who are you?” There are many ways we can identify ourselves. How does our faith impact…

What Are You Looking For? Discussion and Reflection Questions

This reflection will help youth consider what they really desire in life and if their desires are aligned with the path of discipleship.

Have a Prayer Service While Hanging a Wreath

Put out a wreath today for your Advent activity. Wreaths are commonly used during Advent and at Christmas, so tie this holiday tradition in with its spiritual meaning.  Hang a…

What Is in Your Church? Discussion and Reflection Questions

This reflection will help youth consider why they are at mass. Is their church a place where they meet God? Or is it something else? Do we bring the things…

Do Whatever He Tells You

When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “”They have no wine.”” And Jesus said to her, “”Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour…

The Holy Spirit Is Like the Wind (Kite Activity)

This activity is to show children how the Holy Spirit is like the wind. We can’t see the Holy Spirit directly, but we can see the work of the Spirit.…

Paper Toss Game (Youth Ministry or VBS Game)

This is an easy game for your youth group or Vacation Bible School. It is fun but also provides a lesson about the Holy Spirit.  See the reflection questions and…

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. (John 3:16)

“He must increase; I must decrease.” A quote from St. John the Baptist (John 3:30)

Why Do We Consume But Are Not Satisfied? Background Material on Consumerism

We live in a world where we are constantly consuming. The teachings of the Catholic Church can explain our obsession with consumerism.

Reflection Questions for the Story of the Samaritan Woman at the Well

There are several different aspects of the story of the woman at the well which are interesting to reflect upon. Here are some questions for different ways to look at…

Taught By God – Lesson Plan on the Authority of Jesus

This lesson plan on the authority of Jesus will help youth consider what it means to be taught by God. And how does that impact our view of the Eucharist?

Loaves and Fishes: Eucharist Lesson Plan

This Eucharist lesson plan will help youth understand that God provides for all of our needs. He especially cares for our spiritual needs through the gift of Himself in the…

Does It Last? A Timely Lesson Plan on the Eucharist

This lesson plan on the Eucharist will help youth understand that the material goods of this world will pass away. In the end, our union with Jesus Christ in the…

Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. (John 6:24-35)

Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. (John 6:41-51)

Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God. (John 6:60-69)

Whoever Eats My Flesh and Drinks My Blood Has Eternal Life

Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within…

Jesus reveals Himself as the Bread of life. For He alone nourishes the soul, He alone makes us feel loved even if everyone else disappoints us, He alone gives us eternal life. (Pope Francis on John 6:41-51 )

It would be good to ask ourselves every day: “What do I bring to Jesus today?”. He can do a lot with one of our prayers, with a gesture of charity for others. This is how God loves to act: He does great things, starting from those small things. (Pope Francis on John 6:1-15)

Go See a Christmas Light Display

So spend a little time looking at the lights. Go see a large Christmas light display somewhere or just drive around your neighborhood and see how beautiful it looks. After…

What Is Love? – Discussion and Reflection Questions

This reflection will help youth understand the nature of sacrificial love. Love is more than just a warm fuzzy feeling. It is an intense desire for the well being of…

I Am the Good Shepherd

I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my…

Martha said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” (John 11:27)

Dying to Live – Reflection and Discussion Questions

Jesus tells us that unless a grain of wheat dies and falls to the ground, it will remain just a grain. This reflection will help youth consider the question of…

So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for… (John 13:1-15)

I Will Not Leave You Orphans

I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live…

Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled or Afraid

I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you…

Who Is Your Support – Discussion and Reflection Questions

This reflection will help youth consider where they find support. Are the people and things which hold them up part of the healthy vine of Jesus?

What Is Joy? – Reflection and Discussion Questions

This reflection will help youth think about the difference between joy and happiness. Even when life is difficult, we can still find joy through our faith in Jesus Christ.

I Am the Vine. You Are the Branches

Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you…

Who Do You Belong To? – Reflection and Discussion Questions

This reflection will help youth consider what it means to “belong” to God. Do our lives reflect this belonging?

What Moves You? – Discussion and Reflection Questions

This reflection encourages youth to consider how they see the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This is a lesson for Pentecost in particular.

All Things Visible and Invisible – Discussion and Reflection Questions

This reflection will help youth think about what it means to believe in something which can’t be seen. How do we know it is real?

Peace Be With You

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.…

Receive the Holy Spirit

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and…