30th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A (2023)

The readings for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year A are a call to love. The first reading (Exodus 22:20-26) tells how we are to treat other people, especially the poor, oppressed, and marginalized. The psalm (Psalm 18:2-3, 3-4, 47, 51) simply says “I love you, Lord, my strength.” The second reading (1 Thessalonians 1:5C-10) reminds us that how we live should show that we are followers of Jesus. And in the gospel (Matthew 22:34-40) Jesus gives us the Great Commandment and the Golden Rule.

So possible themes for this Sunday are social justice topics, a discussion of different types of love, or discipleship. Here are some ideas:

Anselm’s Prayer – Teach My Heart Where and How to Seek You

St. Anselm of Canterbury was a Benedictine monk and theologian. His feast day is April 21. Anslem's Prayer is a good prayer to say before reading scripture. It would also work well will a discussion of discernment or discipleship.

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

Why Must I Pray for My Enemies?

Jesus commanded us to love. The Catholic Church teaches that respecting life is more than just not hurting other people. We must actively work for peace and justice, even for those we are in conflict with.

Which Commandment Is the Greatest?

"Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" He said to him, "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments."

What Is Love? Reflection and Questions

In this reflection, teens consider how they define love. They also discuss what the is different between liking someone and loving someone.

The Greatest Commandment (Video)

This video from Holy Heroes tells how Jesus explained the Greatest Commandment, which is the gospel for the 30th 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.

Love God Love Neighbor Coffee Cup

This coffee mug features the great commandment on the front "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." On the reverse side it reminds you "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." See Matthew 22:34-40.

Wanting to Fix People (Video)

People are not cars. In this video, Fr. Mike Schmitz explains that when a car is broken, we fix it, or replace it, or ignore the problem. We can't deal with people like that. Instead we can learn to accept the person and move on to delighting in the other person's flaws. And this results in love.

Prayer of St. Francis

The Prayer of St. Francis is a beautiful prayer of peace and abandonment of our own purpose to God's will. "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace."

Do One of the Corporal Works of Mercy

The gospels show us that Jesus reached out to those in need. His life is a model for how we should interact with others. One way to do this is through the Corporal Works of Mercy. Consider looking at these and doing one with the Catholic youth in your life. #service #charity #mercy #LoveOneAnother

Prayer to Be My True Self

This is a prayer inspired by Psalm 139.  Use it for your youth ministry meeting or youth group activity focused on authenticity and being your true self. This is a good lesson for teens who are feeling overwhelmed by the need to be popular.