Sunday, June 25, 2023
The readings for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time are a call to trust in God. Although our circumstances can be unsettling or frightening, God is always caring for us. The first reading (Jeremiah 20:10-13) Jeremiah trusts in the Lord even though he is being plotted against. The psalm (Psalm 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35) expresses hope that God will hear our prayers in times of distress. The second reading (Romans 5:12-15) reminds us that Jesus rescued us even though we are sinners. And in the gospel (Matthew 10:26-33) Jesus tells us “Fear no one” and that we are loved and cared for by God.
So trust, bravery, and hope are good themes for this weekend’s readings. Here are some ideas:
Grieving the loss of a loved one can be a long process. It is natural for many to turn to God in these times. Although it can also be normal to experience anger, disappointment in God, or a general lack of faith. Don't despair! God is still there. He is waiting for you and patiently allows each of us to grieve in our own way.
Most Catholic youth are familiar with the rosary, but the Chaplet of Divine Mercy is less well known. The Divine Mercy Chaplet is a devotion which reminds us that God is merciful and that we too must show mercy.
It is easy to look at the divisions in our country and the injustices and loose hope. But our merciful God is first and foremost our reason for hope. Let us place our country in his hands.
This prayer is about waiting patiently for God. It is especially good for high school students and young adults who are discerning a vocation or possible career. We can be impatient about wanting an answer from God during the discernment process and this prayer is a good way to help trust that God will eventually show us where we are supposed to head.
St. Jude is the patron saint of hope and of impossible causes. That makes him a good saints for students when they feel overwhelmed by studies and other demands on their time.
Pope Francis' Five Finger Prayer is a way to remember who to pray for. Download a printable PDF of this prayer aid.
But the LORD is with me, like a mighty champion: my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph. In their failure they will be put to utter shame, to lasting, unforgettable confusion.
Tick-Tock the Crocodile Hunt game is a very simple small group indoor game for a pirate themed Vacation Bible School or camp. It works best with eight or fewer players. In this game one of the players (Captain Hook), hunts for a ticking crocodile.
Slime is easy to make and fun for kids to play with. Mix up a batch of sea slime for your ocean themed Vacation Bible School or youth group meeting.
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