Latest and Greatest

What’s the Latest?

Facilitator Instructions:
This game is a fun way to get everyone thinking about trends and the “latest” things in their lives. Have the group sit in a circle. Go around and ask each person to share the “latest” thing they’ve heard about, whether it’s a new song, a popular TV show, a fashion trend, or something happening in their school. It can be serious or silly! After someone shares, have the others raise their hand if they have heard of it too. The goal is to keep it light and fun. After everyone has shared, ask a few follow-up questions to help connect the game to the lesson.

Follow-Up Questions:

• Why do you think people get so excited about the latest trends or things?
• Have you ever felt left out because you didn’t know about or have the latest thing?
• What do you think makes something “the latest” in the first place?

That was fun! It’s interesting to see how much attention we give to the “latest” things in our lives. Whether it’s a new trend, a cool gadget, or something everyone’s talking about, it can feel like we’re supposed to keep up or risk being left behind. Sometimes, it’s exciting to be part of the conversation, but it can also be exhausting to always feel like you need to catch up.

The pressure to have the latest thing isn’t just about what we want—it’s also about how we want others to see us. We think if we have the newest phone or the coolest outfit, people will like us more or think we belong. But have you ever stopped to wonder, is all of that really worth it? Does it really bring us happiness, or does it just add stress and competition?

Jesus had something to say about this in today’s Gospel. He reminds us that life isn’t about what we have but about something much deeper. Let’s listen to His words and see what we can learn about the pressure to have the latest things and how to find freedom and joy instead.

Read  Luke 12:13-21 (The Parable of the Rich Fool) the Gospel for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.”

He replied to him, “Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?”

Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”

Then he told them a parable. “There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’

And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’

But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’

Thus will it be for all who store up treasure for themselves but are not rich in what matters to God.”

Think about the world we live in for a moment. Everywhere you go—whether you’re scrolling through social media, watching TV, or just walking past ads in a store—there’s this constant message: “You need the latest phone, the coolest clothes, or the best gaming system to be happy and to fit in.” It’s like the world is shouting at you, “You’re not enough unless you have this!” That message can feel really loud and even overwhelming sometimes.

But in today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that there’s a different way to live. He tells the story of a rich man who had everything. His fields produced so much grain that he didn’t know what to do with it all. So, he decided to tear down his barns and build bigger ones to store his wealth.

He thought, “Now I can relax, eat, drink, and be merry.” But God interrupts his plan and says, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded of you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” The man had focused so much on his possessions that he forgot what really mattered. His stuff couldn’t save him. It couldn’t bring him real joy.

This story might sound harsh, but Jesus isn’t telling it to scare us. He’s telling it to wake us up. He’s saying, “Don’t waste your life chasing after things that don’t last.” Think about it—when you get the latest phone or shoes, it feels exciting at first. But how long does that feeling last? Pretty soon, there’s a newer phone, a cooler pair of shoes, or the next big thing that everyone’s talking about. The truth is, stuff can’t love you back. It can’t give you peace. Only God can do that.

When you feel that pressure to keep up with others, to get the latest and greatest, I want you to remember something important: God already sees you as enough. You don’t have to prove your worth to Him with what you own. He made you in His image. That means you’re valuable just because you’re His child. Your worth isn’t tied to your stuff. It’s tied to who you are and who God created you to be.

And here’s something else to think about: The people who care about you the most—the ones who really matter in your life—aren’t going to like you because of what you own. They’re going to like you because of who you are. They’ll value your kindness, your sense of humor, and the way you treat others. True friendships aren’t built on having the latest things; they’re built on love, trust, and respect.

Jesus is inviting us to live differently. He’s saying, “Let go of the need to prove yourself with stuff. Stop chasing after things that won’t last.” Instead, focus on what truly matters—your relationship with God, your love for others, and the peace that comes from living simply. When we stop comparing ourselves to others and worrying about keeping up, we can experience a kind of freedom that the world doesn’t understand. It’s the freedom to just be yourself, knowing that you are loved by God.

So, the next time you feel that pull to have the latest phone, the coolest clothes, or the best gaming system, stop and ask yourself: “Will this really make me happy? Will this bring me closer to God?” Then remember what Jesus teaches us in today’s Gospel. Life isn’t about the stuff we have. It’s about the love we share, the faith we live out, and the joy that comes from being rich in God’s eyes. That’s the kind of treasure that lasts forever.

When leading small group discussions, remind participants that this is a safe and respectful space for sharing. Encourage everyone to listen carefully and speak honestly. Let them know it’s okay to share their thoughts or choose to listen quietly. The goal is to reflect on the lesson and how it relates to their own lives.

• Why do you think so many people feel pressure to have the latest things?
• Have you ever felt left out because you didn’t have something new or popular? How did that feel?
• What does Jesus teach us in this Gospel about focusing on material things?
• How do you think God wants us to view our possessions?
• Can you think of a time when you focused on relationships or faith instead of things? What was that like?
• Why do you think it’s hard to let go of comparing ourselves to others?
• How can trusting in God help you deal with peer pressure?
• What are some ways you can remind yourself that you are enough in God’s eyes?
• How can you encourage your friends to focus less on material things?
• What is one thing you can do this week to live more simply and focus on what matters most?

This week, I want to challenge you to focus on what really matters instead of the latest trends or things. Take some time to notice when you feel pressured to have something new or compare yourself to others. When that happens, remind yourself that your value doesn’t come from what you own. You are already enough in God’s eyes. The challenge is to take one step toward living simply and trusting in God’s love for you.

Here are a couple of ways you can do this. First, practice gratitude every day. Take a few minutes to thank God for the blessings you already have, like your family, friends, or even small things you enjoy. Gratitude helps you focus on what you have instead of what you don’t. Second, try skipping one thing you don’t really need this week—like a new app, a snack, or something online—and use that moment to pray or reflect instead. These small steps can help you break free from the pressure and focus on what really matters.

Let’s close with a prayer and ask God to help us focus on what really matters in our lives. As we pray, think about what you learned today and how you can let go of the pressure to have the latest things.

Loving God, thank You for reminding us that our worth doesn’t come from what we own but from being Your children. Help us to trust You and let go of the pressure to keep up with the latest trends. Teach us to live simply, to be grateful for what we have, and to focus on the things that truly matter—our faith, our relationships, and Your love.

Guide us this week as we try to live out these lessons. When we feel tempted to compare ourselves to others, remind us that we are enough in Your eyes. Help us to find joy and peace in following You. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Themes

• Trusting God’s Plan: God provides for all our needs, and we don’t need to rely on material things to feel secure. Trusting in His care brings peace. Our focus should be on His love, not the latest trends.
• Avoiding Materialism: Chasing after possessions leads to dissatisfaction and stress. Jesus teaches that life is more than what we own. True joy comes from loving God and others.
• Identity in God: Our value comes from being children of God, not from what we own. Possessions don’t define who we are. God sees us as enough just as we are.
• Living Simply: Jesus calls us to live with simplicity and gratitude. We don’t need the latest things to be happy. Simplicity frees us to focus on what really matters.
• Serving Others: Instead of focusing on what we want, we are called to care for those in need. Sharing our blessings brings real joy. Serving others shows God’s love in action.
• Resisting Peer Pressure: Saying no to peer pressure is an act of courage and faith. God helps us stand firm when others push us to conform. We don’t need to follow the crowd to belong.
• Gratitude for Blessings: Being thankful for what we have helps us stop comparing ourselves to others. Gratitude reminds us of God’s generosity. It shifts our focus from wanting more to appreciating enough.
• Avoiding Comparison: Constant comparison makes us feel less than others. God created each of us with unique gifts. We can celebrate our differences instead of competing.
• Rich in God’s Eyes: True riches come from loving God and others, not from owning the latest things. What we do for God lasts forever. Possessions are temporary and can’t bring lasting joy.
• Making Time for God: The desire for material goods can distract us from prayer and faith. When we focus on God, He fills our hearts with peace. Our relationship with Him is worth more than anything we could own.

Background Material

The pressure to have the latest material goods is a challenge that many young people face. Society constantly sends messages that happiness and value come from owning the newest phone, clothes, or gadgets. This is not a new issue. Jesus addressed it in His teachings, reminding us that life is not about possessions but about seeking God and His kingdom. In Luke 12:15, Jesus warns, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” This truth helps us focus on what truly matters.

The Catholic Church teaches that material goods are not bad in themselves but must be used in the right way. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains, “The goods of creation are destined for the whole human race” (CCC 2402). Material goods are gifts from God meant to be shared, not hoarded or used to compete with others. When we focus on having the latest things, it can lead to selfishness, envy, and forgetfulness of those in need.

Young people often face peer pressure to keep up with the latest trends. This pressure can distract them from their relationship with God and their mission to love and serve others. The Tenth Commandment tells us not to covet what others have. Instead, we are called to develop a spirit of gratitude for the blessings God has given us. This helps us resist the temptation to compare ourselves to others or base our worth on possessions.

Pope Francis often speaks about the dangers of consumerism and materialism. He says these attitudes can make us lose sight of what is truly important in life. In Laudato Si’, he writes, “Since the market tends to promote extreme consumerism in an effort to sell its products, people can easily get caught up in a whirlwind of needless buying and spending.” (LS 203). This does not lead to joy but to emptiness. True happiness comes from loving God, caring for others, and living simply.

Jesus also calls us to generosity. In Matthew 6:19-21, He says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” This reminds us that the way we use our possessions matters. Sharing with others and giving to those in need reflect God’s love. Helping young people see this is an essential part of their faith formation.

This lesson plan will help youth explore how Catholic teaching encourages them to find their identity in God, not in the latest trends. They will learn how to resist peer pressure and embrace simplicity. By focusing on gratitude, generosity, and trust in God, they will see that true joy does not come from material goods but from living out their faith. This reflects the Gospel message and helps them grow closer to God and others.

Music Suggestions

• Suscipe by Mission House
• Love Is What We Need by Steve Angrisano
• Come as You Are by Crowder
• These Alone Are Enough by Dan Schutte

More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections

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