16th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A (2023)

The readings for the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year A are focused on the Kingdom of God. The first reading (Wisdom 12:13, 16-19) reminds us that God desires justice and has shown us the way of kindness. The psalm (Psalm 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16) says “Lord, you are good and forgiving”. The second reading (Romans 8:26-27) tells us that the Spirit aids us in our weakness. And in the gospel (Matthew 13:24-43) Jesus gives us several parables related to the Kingdom of God, including the parable of the weeds in the wheat, the parable of the mustard seed, and the parable of the yeast.

So our role in building the Kingdom of God are topics for this Sunday. This could include the Corporal Works of Mercy and social justice topics. Here are some ideas:

Prayer for an End to Racism

The sin of racism has been on my mind lately. Our communities are so divided. We don't understand or listen to each other. We seem unable to make the sacrifices necessary to even the playing field for all of God's children.

Fox and Chickens Tag (Game for Youth Ministry or VBS)

This is a variation on tag which the person who is it tries to tag the last person in line. The people at the front of the line try to protect the last person. This game could be used with a theme of how God protects us and loves us even better than a mother hen protects her chicks. Or it could be used for a social justice theme about protecting the marginalized.

All Together Now: A Lesson Plan on Racism

Racism can be a difficult topic to discuss with teens. It is popular to think that we are "color blind". But the fact is that the playing field is not level and that minorities do not have the same advantages as the majority.  This lesson plan introduces the topic of institutional racism.

People Sort Activity

This is an activity which can be used as an icebreaker or opening activity for a youth group meeting focused on human dignity, immigration, or institutional racism. Use the debrief time to have an honest discussion about why we group people by race rather than other characteristics. 

Do One of the Spiritual Works of Mercy

The Spiritual Works of Mercy are a way for us to accompany and encourage each other on our faith journey.  The Spiritual Works of Mercy are acts of charity through which we show our love for each other by . #Lent #WorksOfMercy #LoveOneAnother

Do One of the Corporal Works of Mercy

The gospels show us that Jesus reached out to those in need. His life is a model for how we should interact with others. One way to do this is through the Corporal Works of Mercy. Consider looking at these and doing one with the Catholic youth in your life. #service #charity #mercy #LoveOneAnother

Melt My Icy Heart Game (for Youth Ministry)

This is a fun game to go with a meeting focused on stubbornness or belief. Or just for fun. Your teens will love it. Each team must try to melt a giant ice cube.

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.

Prayer Allows Us to See One Another

Prayer allows us to see one another the way God our Father sees us, and to realize that we are brothers and sisters. - Pope Francis

Family Circle Game

Family Circle is a game which works well as an icebreaker or for a lesson about relationships. It also makes sense for a meeting about human dignity. We are all members of God's family.

Privilege Walk for Teens

A Privilege Walk is an exercise where participants consider how circumstances in their lives can be benefits or detriments. These are circumstances which are beyond their control, largely related to the families they were born into and the resources they have.

The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like a Mustard Seed

He proposed another parable to them. “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the ‘birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.’” (Social media graphic)

Poverty and Discrimination Come from Turning Our Backs on God

Every kind of material or spiritual poverty, every form of discrimination against our brothers and sisters, comes from turning our backs on God and His love. - Pope Francis