26th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A (2023)

The readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year A focus on staying on the path of discipleship. In the first reading (Ezekial 18:25-28) we that a virtuous man can turn to sin and die while a sinner can turn away from sin and live. The psalm (Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14) asks God to show us the right path and guide us. The second reading (Philippians 2:1-11 OR 2:1-5) tells us to be virtuous and to model the humility of Christ. And in the gospel (Matthew 21:28-32A) Jesus tells the parable of the two sons, one who said he would obey but didn’t, and the other who rebelled but eventually did what his father asked.

So topics for this weekend might include obedience, Church authority, and discipleship. Here are some ideas:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.