Sunday, October 1, 2023
The readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year A focus on staying on the path of discipleship. When we do sin, we need to turn back to God. He will show us the way. It requires a humble heart to admit we have sinned and seek to get back on the right path. Christ is our model of obedience and humility.
Daily Mass Readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A
- First reading – Ezekiel 18:25-28: “since he has turned away from all the sins that he has committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die”
- Psalm – Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14: “Remember your mercies, O Lord.”
- Second reading Philippians 2:1-11 or 2:1-5: “he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross”
- Gospel – Matthew 21:28-32A: “Which of the two did his father’s will?”
Resources for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A
So topics for this weekend might include obedience, Church authority, and discipleship. Here are some ideas:
Glow in the Dark Balloon Stomp
Most people working with youth are familiar with Balloon Stomp. This is a glow in the dark twist on the game. It would go well with a GLOW (God Lights Our Way) theme or just any evening activity.
Actions Speak Louder than Words – Reflection and Discussion Questions
This reflection on the Parable of the Two Sons helps us consider that we cannot just say we are Christians. We must also act. And we must sometimes have the humility to admit we were wrong and then do the right thing.
Guide Me to Heaven Game for VBS Or Youth Ministry
This is a game which helps youth understand the importance of clear instructions and helping each other stay on the right path. It goes well with a meeting focused on friends or the teaching of the Church.
At the Name of Jesus Every Knee Should Bend
Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Social media graphic)
The Parable of the Two Sons (Video)
This video from Holy Heroes tells the story of the Parable of the Two Sons, which is the gospel for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A. A coloring sheet and Mass quiz are also available for each week. These are good for home use or for Children’s Liturgy of the Word.
The Daily Examen in Six Simple Steps
This graphic from Busted Halo shows how to pray the Daily Examen. The Examen is a spiritual excercise from St. Ignatius of Loyola – the founder of the Jesuits.
Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina means “divine reading”. It is a prayer practice which trusts that God speaks to us through scripture. This is a practice I started doing regularly a few years ago.
Glow in the Dark Twister (Game for Youth Group, VBS, or Youth Ministry)
I am offering two options here for the play area. One uses glow in the dark sidewalk chalk. For the other option, you can make the mat from a purchased Twister game and glow in the dark paint.
Go to a Prayer Labyrinth
A prayer labyrinth is a circle with a path in it which you walk while you pray. The purpose of the labyrinth is to facilitate prayer. Several Catholic retreat centers in our area have prayer labyrinths on their grounds. They can be really effective for some youth with Autism or ADHD.
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