14th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A (2023)

The readings for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time encourage us to praise God for all of the blessings in our lives. The first reading (Zechariah 9:9-10) is a song of praise for the coming Kingdom of God. The psalm (Psalm 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14) shouts out “I will praise your name forever, my king and my God”. The second reading (Romans 8:9, 11-13) tells us to live by the Spirit, for the Spirit will bring life to our mortal bodies through Christ Jesus. And in the gospel (Matthew 11:25-30) Jesus praises the Father and then invites us to follow him, for he helps us when we are stressed and overwhelmed.

So prayer, especially praise, relationship with Jesus, and letting go of our burdens are all possible themes for this weekend’s readings. Here are some ideas:

Listen to Praise and Worship Music While Doing Chores

I am a homemaker, and I'll admit that cleaning the house is not my favorite thing to do. But it is an act of love for my family. And listing to praise and worship music while doing chores reminds me of that. 

Divine Mercy Chaplet

Most Catholic youth are familiar with the rosary, but the Chaplet of Divine Mercy is less well known. The Chaplet is a devotion which reminds us that God is merciful and that we too must show mercy.

Say a Rosary With Your Family or Youth Group

The rosary is one of the most misunderstood Catholic devotions. While some non-Catholics see it as worshiping Mary, it is in fact focused on Christ. The mysteries of the rosary are based on important events in the life of Christ. When we meditate on these mysteries we consider these events and how they relate to our own lives and our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Prayer of Teilhard de Chardin – Patient Trust

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.

Come to Me, All You Who Labor and Are Burdened, and I Will Give You Rest

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.

A Student’s Prayer to St. Jude Thaddeus

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.

Yes No Game (Youth Group Game)

The Yes No game is a fun activity for your youth group or youth ministry meeting. It can be tied in with teaching by reminding us that we need to say "Yes" to God. It also works well with a meeting focused on our Blessed Mother, whose  "Fiat" ("let it be done") in answer to the Angel Gabriel at the Annunciation was an affirmation in her complete trust in the Lord.

Sea Slime (for VBS or Youth Ministry)

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.