Sheep or Goat?

Start this Corporal Works of Mercy lesson plan on service by playing Sheep and Goats (see the complete instructions).

Follow up with a couple of questions:

• Was it easy to get all of the sheep to one side?
• What strategy worked best for you?
• How well did your team work together?

In today’s gospel, Jesus tells us about Judgment Day, and uses the image of sheep being separated from goats.

Matthew 25:31-46 (The Judgment of the Nations) – the Gospel Reading for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe – Year A

Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him.

And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’

Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’

And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.’

Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.’

Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’

He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’

And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

Matthew 25:31-46

When we hear this gospel, it can stir many different feelings. Some of us may feel encouraged, others may feel unsure. Jesus makes it clear that the way we treat others is the way we treat him. That may seem like a big challenge, but the Church gives us something very practical to guide us. These are called the Corporal Works of Mercy. They are simple, real actions that help us show love to Christ by helping people who are in need.

• Feed the hungry
• Give drink to the thirsty
• Shelter the homeless
• Visit the sick
• Visit those in prison
• Bury the dead
• Give alms to the poor

Let’s go through each one together and think about how we can live them out in our daily lives.

The first is feed the hungry. Hunger is not something far away. It happens in our own neighborhoods. People lose jobs, families struggle, and sometimes kids don’t know if they will get a meal. One way to help is to volunteer at a food pantry or a soup kitchen. But even small actions matter. Could you donate food during a parish food drive? Could you pack an extra lunch and share it with someone in need? Think of one thing you can do to help someone who is hungry.

The second is give drink to the thirsty. Many of us don’t even think about thirst because we have clean water at home, at school, or at restaurants. But there are people who don’t have safe water. Sometimes thirst is also about neglect, when someone doesn’t have anyone to care for them. Maybe we can support groups that provide clean water in poor countries. Or we can simply carry an extra bottle of water and give it to someone we see on the street. Have you thought about how thirst might affect someone’s health or dignity?

Next is shelter the homeless. Homelessness can look very different. Some people live on the streets. Others sleep in cars or stay with friends because they have nowhere else to go. When we see someone who is homeless, it can be uncomfortable. But remember, each person is loved by God. You may not be able to buy someone a house, but you can help. You could support shelters, donate blankets, or work with groups that build homes. You could also advocate for fair housing in your community. How might you show kindness when you encounter someone without a home?

Another work of mercy is visit the sick. Being sick is hard, especially when someone feels alone. A visit can bring comfort and hope. Think of a time when you were sick and someone reached out to you. It made a difference, right? If you know someone who is ill, you can visit them, call them, or send a card. If they cannot receive visitors, you can pray for them or help their family in small ways. Even a text message or a drawing can lift someone’s spirit.

Visit those in prison is one that feels harder to do. Most of us cannot go visit prisoners. But people in prison are also children of God. They often feel forgotten. Some parishes send letters to prisoners, or provide resources to help them turn their lives around. You can also pray for them and their families. Do you believe prisoners deserve mercy and care? How might you help, even in a small way?

Then we come to bury the dead. This doesn’t mean digging graves. It means showing respect and care when someone dies. Attending funerals, offering sympathy, or simply being there for someone who is grieving are all ways to live this work of mercy. Have you ever lost a loved one? Think about how important it was to have others around you. Sometimes just listening is the greatest gift.

Finally, we are called to give alms to the poor. Almsgiving means sharing what we have with those who don’t have enough. It can be money, food, clothes, or even time. Maybe you could set aside part of your allowance or your paycheck to give to charity. Or you could help organize a collection in your parish or school. Giving alms isn’t just about money—it’s about caring. How can you take a step to be a leader in helping the poor?

Each of these works of mercy is a way to serve Christ himself. When we reach out to someone in need, we are reaching out to Jesus. That is what this gospel teaches us. On the day of judgment, Jesus will remind us of these choices. Every small act of mercy matters. Think about one or two ways you can start practicing the Corporal Works of Mercy this week. They don’t have to be huge.

Even the smallest action, done with love, can make a difference. And when we serve others, we will one day hear the words we all long for: “Whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.”

When you divide into small groups, remind the youth that this is a time to share honestly and listen respectfully. Encourage them to let everyone have a chance to speak. Remind them that there are no wrong answers. The goal is to think together about how we can live out the Corporal Works of Mercy in real ways.

• Which of the Corporal Works of Mercy feels easiest for you to practice? Why?
• Which one feels the hardest for you to practice? Why?
• Have you ever experienced kindness when you were in need? How did it affect you?
• What is one simple action you could do this week to feed the hungry or give drink to the thirsty?
• How do you feel when you see someone who is homeless? What could you do to respond with compassion?
• Why do you think it is important to visit or reach out to people who are sick or grieving?
• How can you show mercy to people who are in prison, even if you cannot visit them?
• What does giving alms mean to you? How can young people share what they have?
• How does this gospel reading change the way you think about serving others?
• What is one step you want to take after this lesson to live out mercy in your daily life?

For this week’s assignment, you’re encouraged to choose one Corporal Work of Mercy and put it into action. The objective is to stretch your boundaries a bit; aim for something that’s new or slightly outside your comfort zone. You could opt for feeding the hungry by volunteering at a food bank or maybe visit a nursing home to spend time with the elderly.

The idea is to actively engage in a deed that you wouldn’t normally do. By taking on this challenge, you’ll not only be helping someone else but also broadening your own perspective. Make sure to reflect on the experience, considering how it felt to help and what you learned from the activity.

Conclude the Corporal Works of Mercy lesson plan by offering prayer intentions and the The Prayer for Generosity (printable copy).

Lord, teach me to be generous;
Teach me to serve you as you deserve,
To give and not to count the cost,
To fight and not to heed the wounds,
To toil and not to seek for rest,
To labor and not to seek reward,
Except that of knowing that I do your will.
Amen.

If you want to send an activity home to remind the youth to pray for those in need, you could use Paper Towel Roll Prayers to do that.

Themes for the Corporal Works of Mercy Lesson Plan

• Catholic Doctrine: The lesson is rooted in the Corporal Works of Mercy, which are integral to Catholic teaching on how to lead a virtuous life.
• Spiritual Growth: The Corporal Works of Mercy lesson plan aims to deepen students’ understanding of their faith and how it calls them to serve others.
• Moral Education: The lesson emphasizes Catholic ethical principles, teaching students their moral responsibilities as followers of Christ.
• Prayer and Reflection: Part of the Corporal Works of Mercy lesson plan involves moments for prayer and reflection, encouraging students to internalize these teachings.
• Sacramental Life: The lesson ties in with the broader sacramental practices of the Church, linking acts of mercy with spiritual fulfillment.
• Christian Community: The Corporal Works of Mercy lesson plan aims to build a sense of community among students, fostering an environment where Catholic values are shared and lived out.
• Biblical References: The Corporal Works of Mercy are backed by biblical teachings, and this context is explored in the lesson.
• Faith in Action: The lesson plan encourages students to apply their faith practically, demonstrating how Catholic spirituality can and should lead to active charity.
• Divine Love: The lesson aims to show how acts of mercy are a reflection of God’s love, and how fulfilling these acts can bring one closer to God.

Background Material for the Corporal Works of Mercy Lesson Plan

The Catechism of the Catholic Church addresses the Corporal Works of Mercy within its teachings on the Christian moral life, specifically emphasizing the virtue of charity. These acts are listed under the discussion of the Seventh Commandment and the teachings on social justice.

Paragraph 2447 explicitly lists the seven Corporal Works of Mercy and frames them as an expression of Christian love and responsibility.

The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities. Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently. The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead. Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God:

CCC Paragraph 2447

In paragraph 2449, the Catechism goes on to the Final Judgment scene from Matthew 25:31-46. This biblical passage describes how Jesus will judge individuals based on how they have cared for the “least of these,” linking the Corporal Works of Mercy to eternal salvation.

The Catechism presents these works as not merely acts of human kindness, but as requirements for spiritual growth and grace, tying them into the larger fabric of Catholic doctrine and community life. Scripture provides additional guidance.

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

James 2:14-17

This quote from James 2:14-17 emphasizes the importance of action alongside faith. It challenges the idea that faith alone is sufficient for a good Christian life, stressing that actions, specifically acts of mercy like feeding the hungry or clothing the naked, are necessary for a complete expression of faith. This aligns closely with the Corporal Works of Mercy, which are essentially faith in action. According to Catholic teaching, performing these works isn’t just a good deed but a religious obligation that complements faith.

But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

1 John 3:17-18

This passage from 1 John 3:17-18 also insists that love must be demonstrated through actions rather than just words. It questions the authenticity of a person’s claim to love if they see someone in need and do nothing about it. This calls to mind the Corporal Works of Mercy, which are explicit ways to show love for our neighbors by attending to their physical needs. Like James, John argues that love and faith aren’t abstract concepts but should be tangibly manifested in how we treat others.

Both of these New Testament passages serve to underscore the importance of the Corporal Works of Mercy in the life of a Christian. They advocate for a faith that is lived out through tangible acts of love and charity, affirming that this is not just a nice idea but a requirement for anyone who professes to follow Christ.

Music Suggestions for the Corporal Works of Mercy Lesson Plan

• Do Something
• A Rightful Place
• Hold Us Together
• They’ll Know We Are Christians
• The Servant Song
• If We Are the Body

What age group is this lesson plan best for?

This lesson works well for middle school and high school youth. With some adjustments, it can also be used with older elementary students.

How long does the full lesson take?

Plan for about 60 to 75 minutes. This includes the opening game, scripture reading, discussion, small group time, and prayer.

Do I need a large space for the opening game?

Yes, the Sheep and Goats balloon game works best in a gym or large room. If space is limited, you can adapt it with fewer balloons.

What if I don’t have balloons for the game?

You can substitute with small balls, beanbags, or even crumpled paper. The idea is just to have two groups of items to sort.

Can I shorten the lesson if I don’t have much time?

Yes. You can skip the opening game and focus on the scripture, discussion, and prayer. That version takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

How should I handle sensitive topics like visiting prisoners or burying the dead?

Keep it simple. Focus on ways young people can show compassion without needing to do these works directly. For example, writing cards, praying, or supporting others.

Do the youth need to know all seven Corporal Works of Mercy by memory?

It is helpful if they can name them, but the main goal is to understand them and see practical ways to live them out.

What is the purpose of the challenge at the end?

The challenge helps youth put what they learned into action. It encourages them to live mercy, not just talk about it.

Can this lesson be used in a parish setting as well as a school?

Yes. It works well in both settings. It can also be used for retreats, service days, or youth group meetings.

What if the group is very quiet and does not want to share?

Encourage smaller groups and ask open-ended questions. Give them time to think. Sometimes writing down answers before sharing helps too.