6th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A (2023)

The readings for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time focus on the law and commandments. The first reading (Sirach 15:15-20) tells us to choose life by obeying God’s commandments. The psalm (Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34) is “Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!”. The second reading (1 Corinthians 2:6-10) reminds us that God’s wisdom is far greater than our own. And in the gospel (Matthew 5:17-37) Jesus tells us he has come to fulfill the law, not to abolish it.

Some possible themes for this weekend are the Ten Commandments, magisterium, and morality. Here are some ideas:

What Is “Moral Law”?

The Catholic Church teaches that moral law comes from God as "fatherly instructions" to help us determine what is right and what is wrong.

Not in My Basket! (Game for VBS or Youth Ministry)

This is an active game where youth try to get their own balls in their own basket while keeping the other team's balls out. This can be a good game to play for the topics of racism and immigration. If you use the option to change the rules mid-game, this makes a good tie in with a lesson on authority or Magisterium.

I Have Come to Fulfill the Law

Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place.

Let Your Yes Mean Yes and Your No Mean No (Video)

This video from Holy Heroes tells us that Jesus instructs us to keep our promises and do what is right, which is the gospel for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year A. A coloring sheet and Mass quiz are also available for each week. Use these to prepare for Sunday Mass at home or for Children's Liturgy of the Word.

Ten Commandments Activity

This simple Ten Commandments activity will help children who already have some knowledge of the Ten Commandments learn how to order them correctly.

The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Life Teen Summit Reflection

In this video from Life Teen, Joel Stepanek helps us understand the readings for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year A. We make choices about whether to obey Gods law or not.

Printable Ten Commandments Cryptogram

Today's activity from Young Catholics is a printable puzzle of the Ten Commandments. A key is also provided, in case you are not an expert in cryptography. 🙂

Ten Commandments Dice Game

This activity is a game to learn the Ten Commandments. Making learning into a game is more engaging for children than just telling them to memorize.