11th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B (2021)

The readings for the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B are filled with images of growth. The first reading (Ezekiel 17:22-24) tells of planting a shoot on a mountain, which then becomes a shelter for the birds. The psalm (Psalm 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16) sings ” They that are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.” The second reading (2 Corinthians 5:6-10) explains that we should aspire to please God. And in the gospel (Mark 4:26-34) Jesus tells the parable of the seed that grows and the parable of the mustard seed.

Spiritual growth and growth of the Kingdom of God are themes for these readings. Here are some suggested resources for this Sunday:

Inspired By You Letters (Youth Ministry Activity)

Inspired By You letters give teens an opportunity to reflect on a person who has inspired them.  They are also an opportunity to inspire themselves! This activity goes well with a meeting focused on the Holy Spirit or on Scripture as the inspired Word of God. It could also be used as part of a Confirmation program.

The Kingdom of God Is Like a Mustard Seed

He said, “To what shall we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.”