Sunday, September 10, 2023
The readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year A focus on a conversion of heart. We are encouraged to overcome sinfulness and to go beyond merely following the letter of the law and to truly love. And we are to support each other along the path to holiness and help each other overcome our sinfulness.
Daily Mass Readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A
- First reading – Ezekiel 33:7-9: “But if you warn the wicked, trying to turn him from his way, and he refuses to turn from his way, he shall die for his guilt, but you shall save yourself.”
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9: “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.”
- Second reading – Romans 13:8-10: “Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”
- Gospel – Matthew 18:15-20: “Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Possible themes for this weekend’s readings are conversion of heart, the sacrament of Reconciliation (confession), or overcoming hatred. The Spiritual Works of Mercy could be discussed. Here are some ideas.
Resources for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A
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
Washed Away Prayer Service
This prayer service makes a nice accompaniment to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It could also be used for a youth ministry meeting about forgiveness or baptism. #YouthMinistry #forgiven
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.
How to Pray for Somebody Who Has Hurt You
Today for Lent, why not pray for someone who has hurt you? This is especially powerful if you are still harboring some resentment. Pray from your heart, but if you are having trouble getting started, try this prayer.
If Today You Hear His Voice, Harden Not Your Hearts
If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. – Psalm 95 (Social media graphic)
Psychiatrist Icebreaker Game
In this game, the group has a problem. The psychiatrist has to figure out what it is. This icebreaker requires no prep or materials. It works well for six or more people.
Together We’re Better Reflection and Discussion Questions
This reflection focuses on Matthew 18:15-20. Jesus tells us to point out our friends’ faults. Is that really a good idea? Are we really supposed to point out each other’s sins?
Tangled Web Game
This game (sometimes called “spider web”) uses a ball of string to create a tangled mess. It is often used as an icebreaker. It can also be used as an example of how sin can create a tangled mess in our lives.
Is It OK to Judge Someone? (Video)
Is it OK to say that a person’s behavior is wrong? Or is that judgmental? Fr. Mike Schmitz explains in this video. Jesus tells us not to judge a person’s heart, but he does command us to judge the actions of others. So we should not condemn someone’s heart, but we can discern that actions are wrong.
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