Bad Stuff

Pass the Emotion

• Materials Needed: A soft ball or beanbag.
• Group Size: Ideal for 5-15 participants.
• How to Play:

1. Everyone sits in a circle.
2. One person starts with the ball and says an emotion, like “happy,” “sad,” “angry,” or “confused.”
3. They then pass the ball to someone else, who must describe a situation that could cause that emotion.
4. After explaining, the person with the ball says another emotion and passes the ball to the next person.

Example:

• Person 1: “Sad” (passes the ball)
• Person 2: “I’m sad when I lose a game.” Then they say, “Excited,” and pass the ball.

Follow up with a few questions:

• What emotion was easiest for you to think of a situation for, and why?
• Was there any emotion that was difficult to talk about?
• How do you usually deal with difficult emotions like sadness or anger?
• Have you ever felt confused about why something bad happened? How did you cope?

Here are some words from Jesus about bad news:

Luke 13:1-9 (Jesus Reacts to the News) – the Gospel Reading for the 3rd Sunday of Lent – Year C

Some people told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices.

Jesus said to them in reply, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did! Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them – do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem?

By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!”

And he told them this parable: “There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?’

He said to him in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.’”

Luke 13:1-9

There are a couple of references in this gospel to recent news which people must have been talking about. These were the headlines of the day. We don’t know many details about these events, but they were distressing to the people at the time.

The Galileans who were mentioned had probably traveled to Jerusalem to worship God at the temple and offer sacrifices to him. While in the act of worshiping, they may have been slaughtered by Pilate’s men for some infraction. Pilate was known to be a brutal ruler. Thus their blood became mixed with the blood of the animals being sacrificed.

So the question asked of Jesus is about why these people, who were clearly observant Jews, would be murdered in this manner. It might also have been an attempt to make Jesus talk about the Roman occupation. The people of the time were looking for a Messiah who would be a military leader and drive out the Romans. But Jesus uses this opportunity to teach us instead.

The second incident is mentioned by Jesus. It must have also been well known news. 18 people died when a tower collapsed. They weren’t doing anything evil. Why should such a terrible thing befall innocent victims?

Jesus makes clear that distressful events in our lives are not a result of sinfulness. These people did not do anything to deserve this pain. God was not punishing them for something. Instead he takes the opportunity to point out that we have no way of knowing what happen to us today. So we must always be in a right relationship with God.

Hopefully will not physically die today, we might encounter evil and suffering. And turning away from God when bad things happen to us is very harmful. So how should we respond?

First, if there is some action we can take, then we should take it. If the pain is caused by another person, we can take action. One way is to speak up and tell them that what they are doing is causing harm, either to ourselves or someone else. If that is not appropriate, we can ask a trusted adult or friend for advice.

Next, we might have to forgive another person. This is really difficult. But if we turn our pain into revenge or resentment, then we are just passing our own pain along to someone else. That makes us part of the problem instead of the solution.

Whether the cause of our distress is another person or an accident or something else, we need to ask God for help. Talk to Jesus about what is happening. Remember that he suffered a horrible death even though he was completely innocent. Picture him sitting next to you and tell him how you feel. See his compassionate eyes telling you that he understands.

Then ask Jesus to turn your sorrow into something good for the sake of the Kingdom of God. Perhaps you will be motivated to help others who are going through something similar. Maybe you will want to speak up for those who can’t defend themselves from evil. If nothing else, you can pray every day for a specific cause or group of people.

After the main discussion, participants will break into smaller groups to explore the themes of suffering and evil more personally and deeply. This time allows for more intimate conversations where everyone can share their thoughts and feelings in a safe environment.

• Can you share a time when you faced a difficult situation? How did it make you feel, and how did you deal with it?
• Did you feel closer to God during this time, or did you struggle with your faith?
• Why do you think God allows suffering and evil in the world?
• How can we find meaning in our suffering? Can it help us grow closer to God or others?
• How can our faith and the Church community help us during tough times?
• Have you ever felt supported by someone in your church community when you were going through something difficult?
• Is it hard to forgive others when they cause us pain? Why or why not?
• How can forgiveness be a part of healing from suffering?

After the discussions, bring everyone back together to share insights or reflections from their small group conversations. This sharing can help build a sense of community and mutual support.

Pick a recent time when you encountered pain and suffering. It could be a personal experience like dealing with illness, loss, or a difficult relationship. Reflect on how this experience affected you emotionally and spiritually.

If a personal experience doesn’t come to mind, think of a group of people in the world currently facing suffering, such as those affected by war, famine, or a natural disaster. Consider their struggles and how they cope with the challenges they face.

Take time each day to pray about the situation. Ask God for guidance and strength for those who are suffering. Seek His wisdom to understand how you can make a positive difference, whether through actions, donations, or spreading awareness. Pray for healing and comfort for those affected, and for your own strength and courage to help where you can.

Ask God to help you turn these difficult situations into opportunities for growth, compassion, and action. By engaging in prayer and seeking ways to help, we can bring hope and love into these challenging circumstances.

Conclude the session by inviting everyone to offer their personal petitions, asking for God’s guidance, healing, and comfort for themselves and others who are suffering. Encourage participants to voice specific concerns or intentions they have on their hearts, whether for themselves, loved ones, or people affected by global issues.

After everyone has had a chance to share their petitions, lead the group in praying the Our Father together, uniting in this prayer to ask for God’s help, guidance, and the strength to do His will in responding to the challenges and suffering around us. This prayer helps us to seek God’s presence and grace in all circumstances, trusting in His love and mercy.

Themes for the Bad Stuff Lesson Plan on Suffering and Evil

• Suffering and Faith: Suffering can strengthen our faith. It helps us rely more on God and trust in His plan, even when we don’t understand it. Through faith, we find comfort and hope.
• Jesus’ Example: Jesus suffered greatly, even though He was innocent. His example shows us that suffering is not a sign of God’s disfavor. We can unite our sufferings with His and find meaning.
• Redemptive Suffering: Our suffering can have value if offered to God. It can be a way to grow spiritually and help others. By joining our pain with Christ’s, we can help bring grace into the world.
• The Problem of Evil: The existence of evil and suffering can challenge our faith. However, the Church teaches that God allows free will, which can lead to evil. Trusting in God’s greater plan helps us find peace.
• God’s Presence in Suffering: God is always with us, even in our darkest times. We can find comfort in knowing that He never abandons us. Prayer and the sacraments help us feel His presence.
• Forgiveness and Healing: Forgiving others is key to healing from suffering. Holding onto anger or resentment can make our pain worse. Through forgiveness, we find peace and can move forward.
• Community Support: The Church community can be a source of strength. Sharing our struggles with others and receiving their support helps us cope. We are called to support one another in love.
• Hope in Resurrection: The promise of resurrection gives us hope. Our suffering is temporary, and eternal life with God awaits us. This belief helps us endure and find meaning in our trials.
• Purpose in Pain: God can bring good out of our suffering. It can lead us to help others, grow in compassion, and strengthen our faith. Looking for ways to serve can give our pain purpose.
• Praying Through Suffering: Prayer is a powerful tool during difficult times. It helps us connect with God and find strength. We can ask God for help, guidance, and comfort in our struggles.

Background Material for the Bad Stuff Lesson Plan on Suffering and Evil

Suffering and evil are realities everyone faces. The Catholic Church teaches that while these experiences are challenging, they also have deep spiritual meaning. This lesson plan aims to help youth understand these concepts through Catholic teaching.

The Bible provides many examples of suffering. In the Old Testament, Job faced immense suffering, losing everything. Yet, he remained faithful to God, saying, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). This shows that faith can endure even in hardship.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of innocent suffering. He endured great pain and death on the cross. Jesus did not deserve this suffering; He took it on willingly to save humanity. His suffering shows that God is not distant from our pain. Instead, He is present with us and understands our struggles.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that suffering can have a purpose. It says, “By His passion and death on the cross, Christ has given a new meaning to suffering: it can henceforth configure us to Him and unite us with His redemptive Passion” (CCC 1505). This means that when we suffer, we can join our pain with Jesus’ suffering. This helps us grow spiritually and can bring good into the world.

Catholic teaching also emphasizes the mystery of suffering. We may not always understand why suffering happens, but we trust that God has a plan. Romans 8:28 says, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” This assures us that even in difficult times, God can bring good out of our situations.

The Church also teaches about the importance of community and support during suffering. We are not meant to face challenges alone. The Church community can offer prayer, support, and guidance. This is why the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Anointing of the Sick, are important. They provide grace and strength in times of suffering.

Forgiveness is another key aspect of dealing with suffering and evil. Holding onto anger or resentment can worsen our pain. Jesus taught the importance of forgiveness, saying, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). Forgiving others can bring peace and healing.

Finally, hope in the resurrection gives us strength. The promise of eternal life with God helps us endure suffering. As Christians, we believe that our current sufferings are not the end. Revelation 21:4 says, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” This hope encourages us to remain faithful and trust in God’s promise.

In conclusion, suffering and evil are challenging, but they are part of our journey. Catholic teaching offers guidance and hope, showing us how to respond with faith and love. By understanding these teachings, youth can find strength and purpose even in the midst of trials.

Music Suggestions for the Bad Stuff Lesson Plan on Suffering and Evil

• Worn by Tenth Avenue North
• Blessed Be the Name by Matt Redman
• Sometimes by Step by Rich Mullins

More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections

For more free lesson plans and reflections like the Bad Stuff Lesson Plan on Suffering and Evil, visit our website. We have resources for teachers, youth ministers, and catechists to help guide youth through life’s challenges with faith and understanding. Check out our collection at Young Catholics for more helpful tools and insights.