Resources, Prayers, Games, and Lesson Plans
More Thoughts and Reflection Questions
Quotes and Social Media Graphics
Mass Readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
- First Reading – Isaiah 56:1, 6-7: The LORD calls for righteousness and justice. Foreigners who love and serve Him, keeping the covenant and observing the Sabbath, will find acceptance in His house—a house of prayer for all nations.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 67: May God's compassion and blessings shine upon us, revealing His ways to all nations, leading to salvation. Let all praise Him, rejoicing in His just rule and guidance.
- Second Reading – Romans 11:13-15, 29-32: Brothers and sisters, as the apostle to the Gentiles, I glorify my ministry, making my race envious for salvation. Rejection brings reconciliation, and God's gifts and call endure. Mercy awaits all.
- Gospel - Matthew 15:21-28: A Canaanite woman pleads for Jesus' help, seeking healing for her possessed daughter. Though initially hesitant, Jesus praises her great faith. Her daughter is healed instantly.
O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.
Themes for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
The readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A highlight that God wills all of the world to be saved. In the first reading the Israelites learn that foreigners who follow the decrees of the Lord also worship God. In the second reading Paul speaks of his ministry to the Gentiles. And in the gospel Jesus heals the daughter of the Canaanite woman.
- Faith and Persistence: The Canaanite woman's unwavering faith and persistent plea for help display the importance of trust and perseverance in approaching Jesus. Despite initial challenges and seemingly discouraging responses, she remains steadfast in seeking Jesus' intervention, leading to the manifestation of her faith.
- Humility and Teachability: The encounter between Jesus and the Canaanite woman illustrates the significance of humility and openness to learning from Him. The woman acknowledges Jesus' authority and power, and even in the face of what may seem like a rebuff, she demonstrates a teachable heart, prompting Jesus to acknowledge and praise her great faith.
- Being Inclusive: In this passage, Jesus encounters a Canaanite woman who comes to Him seeking help for her demon-possessed daughter. Despite cultural barriers and the initial response of the disciples, Jesus demonstrates inclusivity by engaging with her and addressing her needs.
- God's Love for All People: Jesus' interaction with the Canaanite woman highlights God's love for all people, transcending cultural and ethnic boundaries. This encounter emphasizes that God's compassion extends to everyone, regardless of their background or nationality.
- Jesus' Mission to Restore Us: The encounter with the Canaanite woman underscores Jesus' mission to restore and heal humanity. By showing mercy and granting the woman's request, Jesus demonstrates His divine power to bring healing and deliverance to those in need.
See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A.
Resources for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Us vs. Them – A Lesson Plan on Inclusion
All Together Now – A Lesson Plan on Racism
Paul’s Letter to the Romans: Faith, Grace, and Righteousness
Us vs. Them – A Lesson Plan on Inclusion
This lesson plan aims to teach youth about inclusion through the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman. The gospel passage in Matthew 15:21-28, featured on the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, is discussed. By examining this interaction, students can grasp the significance of accepting others despite differences. The lesson fosters understanding and highlights the message of inclusion that Jesus conveyed in the story.
All Together Now – A Lesson Plan on Racism
Discussing racism with teens can be challenging, as many claim to be "color blind." However, this lesson plan addresses the reality of institutional racism and its impact on minorities who lack the same advantages as the majority. The gospel passage Matthew 15:21-28, featured on the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, emphasizes themes of inclusion and love for all. By exploring this story, the plan encourages understanding and compassion for others, promoting a fair and level playing field for everyone. Emphasizing these principles can help combat racism and foster a more inclusive society where love and acceptance prevail.
A Prayer for Our Nation
In the face of divisions and injustices, we can find hope in our merciful God. As faithful Catholics, let us entrust our nation to His care with a prayer for healing, unity, and a renewed commitment to our values. Matthew 15:21-28, the gospel for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, emphasizes inclusion and love for all. Amidst a world filled with animosity, we must strive to love one another as God loves us. Embracing our diverse society, we can build bridges of understanding and compassion. Together, we can embody the principles of freedom, justice, and equality, reflecting God's grace in every corner of our land.
Privilege Walk for Teens
The Privilege Walk is an activity that prompts participants to reflect on the advantages or disadvantages they experience due to circumstances beyond their control, such as their family background and available resources. It encourages introspection about how these factors shape their lives. The gospel passage Matthew 15:21-28, featured on the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, highlights Christ's love for all people. Engaging in this activity can foster understanding, empathy, and compassion among individuals by recognizing the different paths they walk and promoting a deeper appreciation for one another's experiences and challenges.
Not in My Basket! Game
"Not in My Basket" is an interactive game where youth aim to put their balls in their own basket while preventing the other team from doing the same. This game is beneficial for discussing racism and immigration topics. In Matthew 15:21-28, the gospel for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Jesus appears to initially reject the foreign Canaanite woman's plea, but he ultimately heals her daughter due to her persistence. This story teaches the importance of persistence and compassion in overcoming initial barriers. By playing this game and reflecting on the gospel, young people can learn about acceptance, empathy, and breaking down walls of division.
Paul’s Letter to the Romans: Faith, Grace, and Righteousness
The Second Reading for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A is Romans 11:13-15, 29-32. In this passage, Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, glorifies his ministry to make his race envious for salvation. Rejection leads to reconciliation, and God's gifts and call are enduring, with mercy available to all. This letter was written during Paul's third missionary journey, around 57-58 AD, directed to the Roman church. It aimed to introduce him, clarify his teachings, and anticipate a future visit. Paul's words reveal his profound theological insights. Further background on this epistle can be explored here.
Resources for the Gospel of Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew, featured on the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A with the passage Matthew 15:21-28, is a significant book in the New Testament. Written by Matthew, a former tax collector and apostle of Jesus, it portrays the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This Gospel is renowned for its clear presentation of Jesus' teachings, including the Sermon on the Mount, parables, and the Beatitudes. It also offers a detailed account of Jesus' life, ministry, and interactions with his disciples. Throughout the Gospel, Jesus is depicted as a compassionate and merciful leader, devoted to healing, feeding, and comforting those in need, culminating in his ultimate sacrifice on the cross to demonstrate love for all humanity.
Homilies and Reflections for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Breaking Prejudices: Embracing All with God's Love (Jeff Cavins)
A Religion of Grace (Bishop Robert Barron)
A Foreigner’s Faith (Scott Hahn)
The Gradual Overcoming of Racism, Even in Jesus (Fr. Richard Rohr)
In this video reflection by Jeff Cavins for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, the theme of prejudice is explored. Jeff emphasizes the importance of breaking free from prejudging people based on various criteria, even within the Church. He draws attention to God's heart for the whole world and how we are called to have a vision that embraces all nations and reaches out to those outside the Church. The Gospel story of the Canaanite woman's faith exemplifies Jesus' response to her cry for help, demonstrating that we, too, should listen to the cries of others and respond with love, acceptance, and the hope of bringing them into the family of God.
A Religion of Grace
In this homily for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, the Bishop Robert Barron discusses the contrast between religions of Karma and Grace. Grace is seen as a gift freely given, even to unworthy individuals, and it becomes the means to bring that Grace to the entire world, not hoarding it for oneself. The readings from Isaiah and the gospel emphasize that Israel's chosenness is for the sake of the world, making us vessels of Grace to share with others.
A Foreigner’s Faith
Scott Hahn reflects on the Mass of the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, focusing on the readings that emphasize the inclusion of all nations in God's covenant. The Gospel story of the Canaanite woman exemplifies her unwavering faith in Jesus, despite facing tests and challenges. This reflection highlights how Jesus's mission extends beyond Israel, embracing all people who believe in Him, fostering a worldwide family united by faith in the Lord's salvation. In the Mass, believers of diverse origins come together to offer homage and be nourished as God's children at His holy table.
The Gradual Overcoming of Racism, Even in Jesus
In his homily for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Fr. Richard Rohr reflects on the human journey of care, starting with self-care, progressing to group and family care, and ultimately moving towards universal care. He emphasizes the challenge of overcoming racism and cultural prejudices, exemplified by Jesus' initial hesitation towards a Canaanite woman. Fr. Rohr highlights the need for true conversion, recognizing all people as children of God and embracing universal love and care for humanity beyond the limitations of group affiliations.
Was Jesus Prejudiced Against Canaanites?
In this reflection, Deacon John Harden addresses the troubling passage in the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus encounters a Canaanite woman. He highlights the context of the event, explaining that Jesus' visit to the region of Tyre and Sidon was to demonstrate an important lesson to his disciples. Previously, the disciples faced criticism for not observing ritual purity laws, and Jesus taught them that true purity comes from the heart, not from external rituals. The encounter with the Canaanite woman exemplifies this lesson, as Jesus praises her great faith, demonstrating that God looks beyond heritage and customs to value a pure heart. The episode emphasizes the significance of humility, persistence in prayer, and genuine faith in God's eyes.
More Thoughts for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Inclusive House of Prayer
In the First Reading for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, the Lord calls upon us to follow what is right and just, as He prepares to reveal His salvation and justice. The passage speaks of the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, embracing His ways and becoming His servants. Those who love the Lord's name, keep the sabbath holy, and uphold His covenant will find acceptance in His house of prayer.
This reading emphasizes God's all-encompassing love and inclusivity. He welcomes people from all nations and backgrounds into His presence. His house is not exclusive but open to all who seek Him with sincerity and devotion. Just as Jesus embraced the Canaanite woman's faith in the gospel, this passage reminds us that God's love transcends boundaries. As followers of the Lord, we are called to create a welcoming and inclusive community, embracing all as children of God in our house of prayer.
God's Enduring Mercy
In the Second Reading for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, we hear St. Paul addressing the Gentile believers. He takes pride in his ministry to the Gentiles, hoping it will stir jealousy in his own people and lead them to salvation. Paul explains that the rejection of some from the chosen people opened the way for the reconciliation of the world, bringing life from spiritual death.
God's gifts and calling are unwavering and permanent. Despite past disobedience, both Gentiles and Jews have received God's mercy. As the Jews once disobeyed, their disobedience now paves the path for them to experience God's mercy, just as the Gentiles have.
This reading reminds us of God's boundless mercy and His plan for the salvation of all. God's inclusive love extends to everyone, and through His mercy, He calls us to unity and redemption, embracing the hope that all may receive His salvation.
Faith Beyond Borders
In the gospel for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, we encounter Jesus engaging with a Canaanite woman. Although Jesus initially seemed distant, His encounter with her teaches us a vital lesson about faith. The woman was not part of the Jewish community and didn't follow their religious laws, making her an outsider. Despite this, her unwavering faith caught Jesus' attention. It is easy to see how Jesus' disciples sought to dismiss her due to their cultural norms, but Jesus recognized the depth of her belief.
This story reminds us that faith knows no boundaries. Jesus looked beyond cultural barriers and saw the sincerity of her heart. As followers of Christ, we should emulate His inclusive love, welcoming all who seek Him with genuine faith, regardless of their background.
Reflection Questions for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
- Reflecting on the First Reading, how do you understand God's all-encompassing love and inclusivity? What does this passage teach us about embracing diversity in our communities?
- In the Second Reading, St. Paul emphasizes God's enduring mercy and the reconciliation of the world. How does this message of God's mercy resonate with you, and how can we extend this mercy to others in our daily lives?
- The encounter between Jesus and the Canaanite woman illustrates the importance of faith beyond borders. In what ways can we recognize and appreciate genuine faith in people who might be considered outsiders in our church communities?
- The Gospel story challenges cultural norms and reminds us of the need for inclusivity. How can we actively break down barriers and make our communities more welcoming to those who may feel excluded?
- Reflecting on your own experiences and interactions, who might you have unintentionally excluded or overlooked in your community? How can you be more attentive to those who seek to encounter Jesus but may face barriers?
- How can we proactively reach out to those who might feel like outsiders in our church communities and offer them genuine support and acceptance?
- In what ways can we promote a sense of belonging and unity among diverse members of our church, ensuring that everyone feels valued and embraced?
- How can you personally demonstrate inclusive love and genuine faith in your interactions with others, both within and outside the church community?
- Reflect on the times when you may have witnessed or experienced exclusion in religious settings. How can we work towards creating more inclusive and compassionate environments in such situations?
- What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs within your church community? How can this understanding strengthen your faith and connection to others?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
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