Scary Stuff

Start by playing Silly Sentence Game. In this game each person adds a word to a sentence. For complete details, see Silly Sentence Game.

Follow up with a couple of questions:

• Did the sentences make sense or were they confusing?
• Did you have any idea how the sentence was going to end?

Like the sentences in that game, we don’t know how or when our world is going to end. But we do know it will end eventually and we should be prepared. Jesus tells us that.

Read the Gospel:

Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 (The End of Time) – the Gospel Reading for the 1st Sunday in Advent – Year C

Jesus said to his disciples: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves.

People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.

“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.

For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth.

Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Jesus starts by giving us some pretty scary information about the end of time. He says there will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. The sea will be out of control, and there will be confusion and fear everywhere. The usual order of things will be upset, and people will “die of fright in anticipation” (Luke 21:26). The chaos sounds overwhelming, and it’s no wonder that people might be afraid. Even faithful believers may feel uncertain when they hear about such events.

But Jesus doesn’t share this to scare us. Instead, He wants us to understand that these things are not the end. For those who believe, this is actually good news. These signs mean that Jesus’ return is near, and our final redemption is coming. Our faith teaches that Christ’s second coming will bring about the resurrection of our bodies. Just as Jesus rose from the dead, we too will rise in body and soul to live forever with Him. He will come in glory, not only to judge the world but to bring a new Kingdom—an eternal Kingdom of peace, justice, and love. It will be a place where all believers live in unity with God and one another.

At the end of time, the Kingdom of God will come in its fullness. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “After the universal judgment, the righteous will reign forever with Christ, glorified in body and soul. The universe itself will be renewed” (CCC 1042). Imagine a world without pain, suffering, or evil. No more illness, sin, or sadness. This is what Jesus promises, and it’s an incredible thing to hope for. But even though it sounds amazing, we must be ready for it. The second coming will happen when we least expect it, like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2). So Jesus tells us to stay alert and be prepared.

When the final judgment happens, we will stand before Jesus, who is “Truth itself” (CCC 1039). Everything we have done—good or bad—will be known. Nothing will be hidden. The Last Judgment will reveal the truth about each person’s relationship with God, showing the good that each person has done or failed to do. Jesus gives us a clear image of this in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46). The righteous, who loved God and others, will be separated from the unrighteous, who rejected Him. The righteous will enter eternal life with God, while the unrighteous will suffer eternal separation.

This is why we cannot wait until the last minute to turn to Jesus. If we wait until the second coming arrives to give our hearts to Him, it will be too late. We have to respond now. Jesus is already with us through the Church and the sacraments. He offers His grace to us every day, giving us the opportunity to grow closer to Him. The sacraments—like Confession and the Eucharist—are gifts to help us be spiritually strong and ready for His return.

The Catechism reminds us of this truth: “The Son did not come to judge, but to save and to give the life he has in himself. By rejecting grace in this life, one already judges oneself, receives according to one’s works, and can even condemn oneself for all eternity by rejecting the Spirit of love” (CCC 679). Jesus’ mission was to save us, not to condemn us. But if we reject His grace and love now, we judge ourselves. It’s like choosing to shut the door on the gift of eternal life that He offers.

So, we must decide if we want to live as Jesus taught us. It’s not just about avoiding sin, but about truly following Him—becoming His disciples. Jesus calls us to love God and love others, to be merciful, and to live out the Beatitudes. He also calls us to be people of prayer, seeking His guidance and trusting in His will.

Living for Jesus now is the best way to prepare for His second coming. This isn’t just about following rules or being “good.” It’s about having a real relationship with Him. It’s about making Jesus the center of our lives and letting His love change us from the inside out. If we choose this path of discipleship, we are choosing to be ready whenever Jesus returns.

The second coming might sound frightening because of the signs and judgment. But for believers, it’s actually something to look forward to. It’s the day when all wrongs will be made right, and God’s Kingdom will come in its fullness. So, let’s not be afraid. Instead, let’s stay close to Jesus and live with hope. Let’s live every day as if He could come at any moment—because He really could! And when He does, we want to be found ready, standing strong in our faith, with hearts open to His love and mercy.

When discussing the second coming in small groups, encourage an open and respectful conversation. Remind everyone that it’s okay to have different thoughts and feelings about this topic. Make sure each person has the opportunity to share. Ask follow-up questions to keep the discussion going, and help youth reflect on how Jesus’ return impacts their lives today. Encourage honesty, but also guide the group toward hope and trust in God’s promises.

Discussion Questions

• Jesus describes some frightening events before the second coming. How does hearing about these events make you feel? Does it cause fear, hope, or something else?
• Why do you think Jesus told His followers to be ready for His return, even though He didn’t say when it would happen? How can we be ready in our daily lives?
• How do you understand the final judgment? Does it motivate you to live differently? Why or why not?
• Jesus wants us to be prepared for His second coming, but He also offers mercy now. How do the sacraments (like Confession and the Eucharist) help us stay ready?
• Jesus will come again to bring the Kingdom of God in its fullness. What do you imagine this will be like? What part of this promise gives you the most hope?
• In the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, Jesus separates the righteous from the unrighteous. How do you think this parable helps us understand the second coming?
• We don’t know when the second coming will happen. How can this lesson help us make better choices today?
• What would you say to someone who is afraid of the second coming? How could you encourage them to focus on Jesus’ love and mercy?
• How can we help each other stay strong in faith while we wait for Jesus’ return? What can we do as a group to be more prepared?
• What is one thing you want to start doing (or stop doing) to better prepare for Jesus’ return? How can the group help you with this?

Finish by asking each person to share one takeaway from the discussion. Encourage everyone to commit to living more fully for Jesus as they await His return.

This week, take some time to think about one specific area of your life where you can grow closer to Jesus. Maybe it’s spending more time in prayer, avoiding a particular sin, being kinder to someone, or helping a friend in need. Whatever it is, focus on one thing you can change or improve to be better prepared for Jesus’ return. Think about what you need to let go of or what new habit you can build to make room for God in your life.

Spend a few minutes each day praying for the grace to make this change. Be honest with God about your struggles and ask for His help. It’s not just about good intentions—it’s about taking real steps. If you can, try to act on this commitment during the week. For example, if you want to pray more, set a regular time each day. If you want to be kinder, make a specific plan to encourage someone. Remember, preparing for the second coming is not just about waiting. It’s about living for Jesus right now.

Conclude by praying this passage from Isaiah 41:10:

Do not fear: I am with you;
do not be anxious: I am your God.
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

Give the youth time to add their own prayer intentions. Then conclude with an Our Father.

Themes

• Christ’s Return in Glory: The second coming will complete God’s plan. Jesus will return in power, bringing victory over sin and death. Believers will share in this final triumph.
• Call to Be Ready: The second coming could happen at any time. Jesus wants us to be prepared, living faithfully each day. We do this by following His teachings and staying close to Him.
• Judgment of All People: At the second coming, Jesus will judge everyone. Our actions and choices will be revealed. This reminds us to live according to God’s will.
• God’s Mercy and Justice: At the second coming, God will show both mercy and justice. We must accept His mercy now while we have time. This shows His love and fairness for all.
• Eternal Life with God: The second coming will bring believers to eternal life. Heaven will be a place of joy, peace, and unity with God. This is the final goal of our faith.
• Resurrection of the Body: At the second coming, believers will rise in body and soul. God’s plan is for our whole selves to be redeemed. This completes our transformation.
• Signs of the Times: Jesus gave signs that will happen before the second coming. These signs remind us that earthly things are temporary. We should focus on eternal life with God.
• Victory over Evil: The second coming will end all evil and suffering. God’s goodness will be fully revealed. This gives believers hope, even during tough times.
• Christ the King: At the second coming, Jesus will return as King. His kingdom will last forever. This calls us to follow Him as our Lord today.
• Life of Discipleship: Preparing for the second coming means living as disciples now. We do this through prayer, sacraments, and acts of love. This leads us to holiness and readiness.
• Hope in God’s Plan: The second coming reminds us that God’s plan will be fulfilled. It is a plan of redemption and love. This gives us hope and confidence in God’s promises.

Background Material

The second coming is central to Catholic teaching. It is part of God’s plan to bring everything to fulfillment. Jesus promised to return in glory at the end of time. This is not just about judgment or fear. It is about hope, salvation, and God’s victory over sin and death.

The Bible speaks clearly about the second coming. Jesus described it in detail to His disciples. In Matthew 24:30, He said, “They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” This moment will be when Jesus fully establishes His Kingdom. He will come as the King and Judge of all people. This is why the Church prays, “Thy Kingdom come,” as part of the Our Father. We are anticipating the second coming.

This will bring the final judgment. Jesus will judge the living and the dead. Everyone’s choices and actions will be revealed. Jesus taught this in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46). Those who served God and others will be rewarded. Those who rejected God’s love will be separated from Him. This is why Catholics are called to a life of faith, love, and good works. Our choices matter and prepare us for the second coming.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church also teaches about the second coming. It says, “At the end of time, the Kingdom of God will come in its fullness. After the universal judgment, the righteous will reign forever with Christ, glorified in body and soul. The universe itself will be renewed” (CCC 1042). This shows that the second coming brings a new creation. The world as we know it will be transformed. Evil, suffering, and death will end. God’s love will be fully known, and all things will be made right.

Catholics believe that believers will rise in body and soul at the end. Just as Jesus rose from the dead, we too will rise and be united with Him. St. Paul speaks about this in 1 Corinthians 15:52: “The dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.” This resurrection will be part of the new life that comes with Jesus’ return. It is a sign of God’s victory and love for His people.

Catholics are called to be ready. Jesus warns us in Luke 21:34-36 to be watchful and prayerful. He tells us not to let our hearts be weighed down by sin or worldly concerns. Instead, we should live in a way that is faithful to God. This means following Jesus, receiving the sacraments, and living a life of love. This is how we prepare for His return.

The second coming is about hope, not fear. It reminds us that God’s love and mercy are greater than anything else. It also shows that God has a plan that will be completed at the end of time. We do not know when the second coming will happen. But we know that Jesus is with us now and will come again. As we wait for Him, we are called to live holy lives and trust in God’s promises.

Music Suggestions

• Find Us Ready
• Soon and Very Soon
• Prepare the Way
• O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
• Ready the Way

More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections

For more lesson plans and reflections about the Second Coming and other topics, visit our website. You’ll find resources for teachers, youth ministers, and catechists to help youth grow in faith. All our lesson plans are free and designed to be simple and effective. Explore topics like Jesus’ teachings, the sacraments, prayer, and more. Visit Young Catholics Lesson Plans to find materials that will enrich your ministry.