Give It Your All

Start by playing Penny Chin. In this game, youth balance pennies on their chins without tilting their heads back. There’s a trick to it! Check the Penny Chin instructions for details.

After the game, ask these questions:

• How difficult was it to keep the penny on your chin?
• Were you willing to look silly for it?

In life, we often want to hold on to our money because it provides comfort and enjoyment. But Jesus teaches us that money isn’t for showing off. It’s better to be generous and use it to glorify God.

Read the Gospel:

Mark 12:38-44 (Jesus comments on the widow’s mite) – the Gospel Reading for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B

[In the course of his teaching Jesus said to the crowds, “Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation.”]

He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums.

A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.”

Mark 12:38-44

In the first part of the reading, Jesus points out the behavior of the scribes. They loved showing off their position of power and being admired by others. In their culture, the scribes were highly respected because they knew a lot about Jewish laws and traditions. They were seen as important leaders.

But Jesus wasn’t impressed by their outward displays. He was more concerned with how they treated others, especially the poor and vulnerable. Instead of using their knowledge and position to help people, the scribes were more focused on gaining attention. They used their status for their own gain, not to lift others up. They wanted everyone to notice them, to think highly of them, and to admire their “important” actions. Jesus warns us about this kind of attitude—seeking praise from others at the expense of those in need.

Then we see Jesus notice the poor widow at the temple. She gave only two small coins—practically nothing in the eyes of others. But Jesus saw something much deeper. He saw her heart, her love, and her trust in God. In a complete reversal of how people normally think, He praised her small offering over the large sums given by the wealthy. The rich people gave a lot of money, but it didn’t really affect them because they had plenty to spare. Their contributions didn’t require any trust in God; they gave from their surplus, what they could easily live without.

But this widow gave everything she had. Her gift was an act of faith. She didn’t have much, but she trusted that God would take care of her. She believed that everything she had, even her tiny amount of money, came from God. Her offering wasn’t about impressing others; it was about honoring God with what little she had. She gave all she had as an act of worship and trust.

This is the opposite of what the scribes did. They were more concerned about looking important. Their faith was in themselves and their ability to impress people. The widow’s faith was in God, knowing that He would provide for her. This is what made her contribution so much more meaningful in Jesus’ eyes.

Let’s think about this for a minute. Most people wouldn’t even notice the widow’s small gift. No one except Jesus would think to honor her. But Jesus sees things differently. He doesn’t measure by the amount we give; He measures by the heart behind it. Her small contribution, given with love and faith, was greater than the large amounts given by the wealthy because it was a true act of generosity and trust.

So, what about us? Are we impressed when someone makes a big show of their generosity? When we see people spending lots of money, does that catch our attention more than small, quiet acts of kindness? It’s easy to be impressed by grand gestures or big donations, but Jesus teaches us to value what’s happening in the heart.

We can also ask ourselves, how do we use money or possessions to impress others? It’s common to want to show off when we have nice things or can afford to give a lot. But Jesus calls us to a different attitude. Instead of giving to get attention, we should give quietly, focusing on helping others and not on who sees it.

Giving isn’t just about money either. We can be generous with our time, our talents, and our attention. Sometimes, a simple act of kindness or offering our time to help someone can be even more meaningful than giving money. Jesus calls us to be generous in all areas of our lives, whether it’s through material goods or other ways of serving others.

This lesson is clear: everything we have comes from God, and we should use what we have for His glory, not our own. We are called to be generous, not to impress others, but to help those in need and show our trust in God’s care. The widow’s small gift is a powerful reminder of what true generosity looks like—giving with faith, love, and a heart for others.

As you guide the group discussion, encourage everyone to share their thoughts and listen to each other with respect. Remind participants that this is a safe space to explore how generosity fits into their lives. Encourage them to reflect on the lesson and relate it to their own experiences. Allow time for everyone to respond, and feel free to add your own insights to keep the conversation going.

• Why do you think Jesus praised the widow’s offering over the wealthy people’s larger donations?
• Have you ever felt like your small contribution didn’t matter? How does this lesson change your view of small acts of giving?
• In what ways do you think people today use money or possessions to impress others? Can this be a challenge for you?
• Besides money, what are some other ways we can be generous to others? How can you personally practice generosity in your daily life?
• How does trusting in God affect the way we give? Have you ever had to trust God to provide for your needs?
• Why is it important to give quietly without seeking recognition? How can we make sure our giving comes from a place of love and not for attention?
• Think about someone you admire for their generosity. What makes their giving special?
• How does this lesson help us see the value of giving, even when we don’t have much?
• What are some areas in your life where you could be more generous?
• How can we encourage others around us to practice generosity? What impact can this have on our community?

This week, take time to give generously in a way that reflects God’s love. You can donate your time, talent, or treasure to help someone in need. Focus on giving quietly, without seeking attention or praise. Maybe you can help a friend or family member without telling them it was you or volunteer where no one notices. The goal is to give in a way that brings glory to God.

Look for opportunities to serve others, whether it’s small acts of kindness or larger efforts. Remember that generosity is about the heart, not the size of the gift. When we give with a spirit of love and trust in God, we reflect His goodness to the world around us. Let this challenge be a way to deepen your faith and grow in selfless love.

You can find a printable copy of the Prayer for Generosity here.

As we finish, let’s take a moment to pray the Prayer for Generosity. This prayer asks God to help us give selflessly, without seeking anything in return. It reflects the lesson of the widow’s mite, reminding us to give from the heart and trust in God’s care. Together, let’s ask God for the strength to serve others in love, and to give freely of our time, talents, and treasure.

Themes for the Give It Your All Lesson Plan on Generosity

• Trust in God’s care: The widow gave all she had, trusting that God would take care of her. This lesson plan on generosity teaches youth to rely on God, knowing that He will provide for their needs.
• Selfless giving: Generosity is not about how much we give, but the love behind the gift. This plan shows that giving from the heart is what truly pleases God.
• Sacrificial love: The widow’s offering was a sacrifice. This lesson teaches that true generosity often involves giving up something for the good of others.
• Humility in giving: Jesus praised the widow, not the rich. The lesson plan on generosity encourages youth to give without seeking recognition or praise.
• Everything comes from God: The widow gave her livelihood because she knew it belonged to God. This lesson plan on generosity reminds youth that all we have is a gift from God and should be used for His glory.
• Serving others: Generosity is a way to serve others, not ourselves. This plan helps youth focus on helping those in need rather than seeking personal gain.
• Faith over wealth: The rich gave from their surplus, but the widow gave in faith. This lesson encourages youth to value faith over material wealth.
• Love for the poor: Jesus cared for the poor widow. This lesson highlights the importance of caring for the vulnerable and those in need.
• Small acts matter: The widow’s two coins seemed insignificant, but Jesus saw their value. This lesson plan on generosity teaches that even small acts of kindness and generosity matter to God.
• Avoiding pride: Jesus warned against the scribes’ prideful behavior. This lesson plan on generosity encourages humility and warns against using wealth or position to impress others.

Background Material for the Give It Your All Lesson Plan on Generosity

The “Give It Your All Lesson Plan on Generosity” fits deeply into Catholic teaching about selfless love, charity, and trust in God. In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus praises the widow who gave two small coins to the temple treasury, showing how even small acts of generosity are precious when given from the heart. Jesus contrasts her humble offering with the wealthy, who gave out of surplus, showing that God values the spirit of giving, not the amount. This lesson reminds us that generosity is an act of faith and trust in God, who provides for our needs.

Generosity, in Catholic teaching, is rooted in the understanding that all we have comes from God. In the Gospel of Matthew (6:19-21), Jesus says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up treasures in heaven.” This lesson encourages young people to see their material blessings as gifts to be shared for God’s glory and the benefit of others. The widow’s example teaches that giving is not about showing off but is a way of worship and trust in God’s care.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that acts of charity and generosity are essential to the Christian life. It says, “The goods of creation are destined for the whole human race. However, the earth is divided up among men to assure the security of their lives, endangered by poverty and threatened by violence” (CCC 2402). This reminds us that our possessions are not just for ourselves. We are called to share what we have with those in need. The “Give It Your All Lesson Plan on Generosity” helps young people reflect on how they can live this teaching in their daily lives.

The story of the widow shows the importance of sacrificial giving. Her two coins were all she had, yet she gave them in faith. The lesson plan encourages youth to think about how they can give in a way that reflects this deep trust in God. It is not always about money—giving time, care, or support to others are also ways to live out this call to generosity.

Pope Francis has often spoken about the need to care for the poor and give generously. In Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), he writes, “The poor person, when loved, ‘is esteemed as of great value,’ and this is what makes the authentic option for the poor different from any other ideology” (EG 199). This reinforces the message of this lesson: we must give not to gain recognition, but out of love for others and God.

The “Give It Your All Lesson Plan on Generosity” helps young people see the importance of giving, not for praise or attention, but as a way of honoring God. This lesson helps them grow in faith by learning to trust in God’s care and recognizing that everything they have is meant to be shared. It encourages a heart of service and generosity, reflecting Catholic teaching on charity and stewardship.

Music Suggestions for the Give It Your All Lesson Plan on Generosity

• Your Grace Is Enough by Matt Maher
• Do Something by Matthew West
• The Cry of the Poor by John Foley, SJ

More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections

For more free lesson plans like the “Give It Your All Lesson Plan on Generosity,” visit our website. We offer resources for teachers, youth ministers, and catechists to help guide youth in their faith journey. You can find additional reflections and lesson plans on a variety of topics, all designed to engage young people and deepen their understanding of Catholic teachings.