• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Young Catholics

Youth Ministry, Vacation Bible School (VBS), and Family Resources

  • Resources by Date
  • Resources by Type
  • Resources by Theme
  • Resources by Topic
  • Free Graphics
  • Catholic Gifts
  • Email

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A (2023)

Filed Under: Feasts Holy Days and Seasons

Sunday, July 30, 2023

The readings for the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year A are about the wisdom of God which is very different from the wisdom of the world. The first reading (1 Kings 3:5, 7-12) recalls how Solomon requested the gift of understanding instead of material goods or power. The psalm (Psalm 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130) reminds us that God’s commands are more precious than gold. The second reading (Romans 8:28-30) tells us to work for God’s purpose. And in the gospel (Matthew 13:44-52) Jesus gives us more parables related to the Kingdom of God, including the treasure in the field, the pearl of great price, and treasures new and old.

So possible topics include considering what is most important in our lives, putting God first, and rejecting worldly values. Here are some discussion activities, games, and resources:

Hook the Treasure (Game for VBS or Camp)
Hook the Treasure is a really easy game for your pirate or nautical themed VBS or youth camp. This would be perfect for younger children at your Vacation Bible School and it is pretty easy to put together. The only work involved is making the "hooks" for each child.
Buried Treasure (VBS or Youth Group Game)
Buried Treasure is a fun game for all ages. It works well for Vacation Bible School or youth ministry. Everyone enjoys playing in a sandbox! For older players, use smaller treasures to make them more difficult to find. 
What Do I Treasure? Activity and Reflection Questions
Jesus often challenged people about their values. The Pearl of Great Price, the Buried Treasure, the Lost Coin are all parables about what is important to us and to our Heavenly Father. He also observed the poor widow, who gave all she had to the temple treasury. This exercise helps us consider what is valuable to us.
What Are You Asking For?
In this video for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A, Joel Stepanek of Life Teen talks about how these readings challenge us to see value where others don't. Why would someone spend everything they have on a pearl or some other treasure? ou might make choices which help lead you to holiness which other people don't understand. This week, ask God for what you need on your path of discipleship.
The Kingdom of Heaven Is the Opposite of a Dull Life
The Kingdom of Heaven is the opposite of the superfluous things the world offers, the opposite of a dull life: it is a treasure that renews everyday life and leads it to extend towards wider horizons. - Pope Francis
All Things Work for Good for Those Who Love God
Brothers and sisters: We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28 (Social media graphic)

Tagged: Events

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate This




Primary Sidebar

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B (2021)
Sunday, January 17
The readings for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B invite us to hear God calling and to respond. So possible themes for this Sunday are discipleship and listening for the call of God. Here are some ideas.
Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children
Friday, January 22
January 22 is the anniversary of the Roe vs Wade decision and is designated as the "Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children". It is a day of prayer and penance.
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B (2021)
Sunday, January 24
The readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B invite us to be transformed by the call of Jesus. So possible themes for this Sunday are evangelization, vocations, and discipleship.
The Conversion of St. Paul
Monday, January 25
January 25 is the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul.  St. Paul's encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus converted him from a persecutor of Christians to a fully committed follower of Jesus.
Sts. Timothy and Titus
Tuesday, January 26
January 26 is the feast day of Sts. Timothy and Titus.  St. Timothy is the patron saint of stomach ailments. St. Titus is the patron saint of the United States Army Chaplain Corps.
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.
Getting to Know You Bingo (Youth Group or VBS Game)
Getting to Know You Bingo works well as a VBS game or a youth group game. This set of 20 bingo cards can be used with youth group or Vacation Bible School.
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. :-)
St. Patrick’s Breastplate
St. Patrick's Breastplate is a prayer for protection and guidance. Christ is always with us providing us strength and wisdom.
Make an Origami Dove
Pentecost is right around the corner. Since the dove is often used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, making origami doves can be a fun craft for kids on this holy day.

Popular

Discovery

© 2021 · Young Catholics