Who Has Authority? Lesson Plan on Authority

In today’s catechetical lesson, we will delve into the profound concept of authority, a term that resonates deeply within both our daily lives and our spiritual journey. Our exploration begins by unraveling the multifaceted meaning of ‘authority’ – is it simply a matter of power and influence, or is there more to it?

In this lesson plan on authority, we’ll discuss how authority manifests in various forms, from the expertise of a knowledgeable individual to the commanding presence that inspires obedience. This discussion will lead us to contemplate the figures in our own lives who embody this trait, prompting us to reflect on those we regard as authorities due to their wisdom, confidence, or ability to influence our decisions and beliefs.

Central to this lesson plan on authority is the Gospel reading from Mark 1:21-28, where we witness the unparalleled authority of Jesus Christ. His teachings, imbued with profound knowledge, and His actions, marked by unwavering confidence, exemplify true spiritual authority. This exploration will challenge us to consider the source of Jesus’ authority and our personal willingness to recognize Him as a paramount influence in our lives.

Furthermore, we will examine the concept of delegated authority through examples from everyday life and the Church. The Church’s teaching authority, the Magisterium, is a pivotal focus, inviting us to reflect on our relationship with Church teachings, even when they challenge or conflict with contemporary societal norms. This session aims not only to deepen our understanding of authority but also to encourage us to seek greater clarity and wisdom through prayer, study, and open-hearted dialogue with the Church and its teachings.

The Authority in Action Role-Play Challenge serves as an engaging and dynamic opening activity for our lesson on understanding and exercising authority in various contexts, paralleling the way authority is manifested in the Catholic Church and in the teachings of Jesus. Participants are assigned roles in diverse scenarios, from a teacher managing classroom dynamics to a doctor making critical healthcare decisions. This hands-on approach enables participants to experience the weight and impact of authority, fostering empathy and insight into the responsibilities that accompany leadership roles.

Choose an appropriate number of scenarios for the size of your group and the time available. The full instructions and example scenarios can be found here.

Follow up with a few questions

1. In what ways did the scenarios reveal the challenges and responsibilities of authority? How does this relate to the responsibilities of Church leaders?
2. When you were in a position of authority during the role-play, how did it affect your decision-making? Does this give you a new perspective on how Church authorities make decisions?
3. What do you think the word “authority” means?

Authority can be a characteristic. One definition of authority is

The power to influence others, especially because of one’s commanding manner or one’s recognized knowledge about something.

“he has the natural authority of one who is used to being obeyed”

Authority can also describe a person:

A person with extensive or specialized knowledge about a subject; an expert.

“”she was an authority on the stock market””

So an authority is someone who leads with confidence and knowledge. An authority also has the power to influence those around him or her.

• Who are some people you would consider as authorities based on their knowledge?
• Who are some people who have authority due to their commanding manner or confidence?
• Who has the power to influence you?

These are the people who are authorities in your life.

Read Mark 1:21-28

Then they came to Capernaum, and on the sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.

In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are – the Holy One of God!”

Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him.

All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.”

His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

Mark 1:21-28 – the Gospel for the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

The people are amazed by the authority of Jesus. He teaches with knowledge and he acts with confidence, even being able to command an unclean spirit to leave.

• What specifically does Jesus do in this gospel that shows authority?
• Where does the authority of Jesus come from?
• How willing are you to see Jesus as an authority?
• Do you give Jesus the same sort of authority to influence you as you give to friends and celebrities? Why or why not?

Jesus’ authority comes from his relationship with the Father. He spends time in prayer. He studies and understands scripture. He trusts that the Father will do what is necessary to carry out his will. These are all good things for us to do also.

Another definition of authority shows that it can be passed from one person to another:

The right to act in a specified way, delegated from one person or organization to another.

Police have the authority to arrest criminals.

So an authority, like the government, can give others, like the police, authority to carry out tasks. Your school gives your teachers the authority to teach you. Through licensing states give doctors the authority to practice medicine. In the same way, Jesus has given the Church authority to teach, confer the sacraments, and pass on the faith. This has been delegated for two thousand years, starting with the apostles.

The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me

Luke 10:16

We call this authority of the Church to teach us The Magisterium.

Sometimes is is difficult to accept Church authority. We might disagree with something the Church teaches. Or we might find it inconvenient. But we must remember that the Church has thousands of years of knowledge. And we depend on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. So we cannot just lightly reject Church teachings just because we don’t like them.

• Are there any Church teachings you find difficult to accept?
• What might you do to better understand these teachings? (talk to a priest, read YOUCAT or the Catechism of the Catholic Church)
• Why do you think it is easier to accept our friends, social media, and pop culture as authority that we accept the Church authority?

Following the large group discussion, small group reflection questions can deepen the participants’ understanding and personal connection to the topic of authority, particularly in the context of Jesus’ authority and that of the Church. These questions can facilitate intimate and thoughtful conversations within smaller groups:

• Reflecting on the Gospel of Mark, in what ways did Jesus demonstrate His authority differently than worldly leaders do? How does this contrast with today’s common perceptions of authority?
• Discuss instances in your life where you have witnessed authority being exercised in a manner similar to Jesus. How did these instances impact your view of authority?
• How does Jesus’ relationship with the Father, as seen through His life of prayer and understanding of Scripture, influence your perception of what true authority should be based on?
• In what ways can we, as followers of Christ, model our exercise of authority on Jesus’ example, both in personal and community settings?
• Discuss the challenges of accepting the Church’s authority, especially when it conflicts with popular opinion or personal beliefs. How can we reconcile these challenges with our faith?
• How does the concept of delegated authority, as seen in the Church through the Magisterium, parallel other forms of authority in society? Discuss the benefits and responsibilities of this delegation.
• Reflect on a time when you struggled with a teaching of the Church. How did you resolve this struggle, or how are you currently addressing it?
• Consider why societal influences like friends or media may sometimes seem more authoritative than the Church. What factors contribute to this perception, and how can we discern true authority?
• Discuss practical steps you can take to strengthen your understanding and acceptance of the Church’s teachings. How can this lead to a deeper relationship with Christ?

These questions are designed to foster a deeper understanding of the nature of Jesus’ authority and how it is reflected in the Church, encouraging participants to apply these insights to their own lives and spiritual journeys.

This week, I encourage you to embark on a personal journey of exploration and understanding regarding a specific teaching of the Catholic Church. Begin by selecting a topic or doctrine that intrigues you, confuses you, or perhaps one you find challenging. This could range from understanding the nature of the Holy Trinity, to the significance of the Sacraments, or the Church’s stance on social issues.

Once you have chosen your topic, dedicate time to research and reflect on it. Start by consulting reliable sources like the Catechism of the Catholic Church, YOUCAT (Youth Catechism), or other official Church documents. These texts offer a wealth of information and can provide a clear, authoritative perspective on Church teachings.

Consider also engaging with other materials such as books, articles, or videos from respected Catholic theologians and scholars. This can provide you with a broader and more nuanced understanding of the topic.

Additionally, it can be incredibly beneficial to discuss your chosen topic with someone knowledgeable in the faith, such as a priest, catechist, or a well-informed member of your parish. Engaging in conversation can offer new insights, answer questions, and clarify doubts.

Integral to this process is prayer. Spend time in prayer, specifically asking the Holy Spirit for the gift of understanding. This spiritual approach is crucial as it opens your heart and mind to deeper insights and helps you to grasp the spiritual and theological depth of the Church’s teachings.

As you embark on this week of exploration, remember that understanding the Church’s teachings is a journey that involves both the mind and the heart. Be open to where this journey might lead you, and how it might deepen your relationship with God and His Church.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of this day and for the opportunity to explore the profound concept of authority. We are grateful for the wisdom and teachings of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who showed us the true essence of authority through His life and ministry.

Lord, as we reflect on the lessons learned today, we ask for Your guidance in recognizing and respecting the various forms of authority in our lives, especially the authority of Your Church. Help us to understand more deeply the teachings of the Magisterium, and to embrace them with open hearts and minds.

Holy Spirit, we seek Your gift of understanding. Enlighten our minds to comprehend the teachings of the Church, and strengthen our will to follow them faithfully. May we always be inspired by the example of Jesus, who exercised authority with love, wisdom, and humility.

We pray for all those in positions of authority, that they may be guided by Your wisdom and act in accordance with Your will. Help us, too, in any role of authority we may hold, to lead with compassion, justice, and a deep sense of responsibility.

As we conclude our time together, we entrust our learning and our lives to Your loving care. Lead us on the path of righteousness and keep us faithful to Your Word.

We ask all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Amen.

Printable PDF of the Who Has Authority? Lesson Plan on Authority

Click here to download a PDF copy of the lesson plan

Themes for Lesson Plan on Authority

The “Who Has Authority?” lesson plan on authority encompasses several interrelated themes to provide a comprehensive understanding of authority from a Catholic perspective. These themes include:

• Definition of Authority: Understanding what authority means in different contexts, both secular and religious.
• Biblical Examples of Authority: Examining how authority is demonstrated in the Bible, particularly focusing on Jesus Christ’s authoritative actions and teachings in the Gospel of Mark.
• Authority of Jesus Christ: Delving into the nature and source of Jesus’ authority, and how it differs from worldly authority.
• Church Authority and the Magisterium: Exploring the role and significance of the Magisterium, the teaching authority of the Catholic Church.
• Delegated Authority: Understanding how authority can be passed from one entity to another, as seen in both secular and religious contexts.
• Personal Responses to Authority: Reflecting on individual attitudes towards various forms of authority, including those within the Church, in society, and in personal life.
• Authority in Daily Life: Discussing the application and impact of authority in everyday situations, such as in family, school, and community settings.
• Challenges in Accepting Authority: Addressing the difficulties and conflicts that might arise in accepting and adhering to authoritative teachings, especially within the Church.
• Role of Prayer and Discernment: Emphasizing the importance of prayer, especially to the Holy Spirit, for understanding and wisely exercising authority.
• Exercising Authority Responsibly: Exploring how to exercise authority in a manner that reflects Christian values, inspired by the example of Jesus Christ.

These themes collectively contribute to the depth and effectiveness of the “Who Has Authority?” lesson plan on authority, enabling participants to gain a multi-faceted understanding of authority within the Catholic faith.

Background Material for the Lesson Plan on Authority

For the “Who Has Authority?” lesson plan on authority, it is essential for catechists and youth ministers to have a robust foundation in Catholic teachings and Scripture. This background material will provide valuable insights and quotes to enrich the lesson.

Central to the lesson plan on authority is the understanding of Jesus’ authority as depicted in Scripture. A key passage is Mark 1:21-28, where Jesus teaches in the synagogue with authority and exorcises an unclean spirit. This demonstrates not just His power, but also His divine authority: “They were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, ‘What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.’” (Mark 1:27).

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, an essential resource for understanding Catholic doctrine, offers a profound exposition on the nature of authority, particularly emphasizing its divine origin and purpose. In its teachings, the Catechism elucidates that all legitimate authority has its source in God Himself, as highlighted in CCC 1899:

The authority required by the moral order derives from God: ‘Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.’

Catechism of the Catholic Church 1899

This passage underscores the belief that authority, when exercised within the moral order, is not merely a human construct but a reflection of God’s will and governance. Such a perspective invites believers to view authority not as a means of human domination, but as a sacred responsibility entrusted by God to lead and guide His people in accordance with His divine plan.

Expanding on this foundation, the Catechism also delves into the responsibilities accompanying authority and the appropriate response to it. It teaches that those in authority are called to exercise it for the common good, in a manner consistent with God’s justice and mercy. This is not only a directive for those who hold positions of power but also a reminder for all faithful to respect and obey legitimate authority as part of their moral and spiritual duty.

The Catechism, therefore, provides a comprehensive framework for understanding authority within the Church and society, presenting it as an integral part of God’s providential care for the world. In this light, authority is seen not as a burden or a tool for personal gain, but as a divine calling to serve, lead, and uplift in accordance with God’s righteous and loving order.

In the “Who Has Authority?” lesson plan on authority, the role of the Magisterium is highlighted as a fundamental aspect of understanding Catholic teaching on authority. The Magisterium, as the teaching authority of the Church, has a unique and crucial role, as elucidated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. According to CCC 88,

The Church’s Magisterium exercises the authority it holds from Christ to the fullest extent when it defines dogmas, that is, when it proposes, in a form obliging the Christian people to an irrevocable adherence of faith, truths contained in divine Revelation or also when it proposes, in a definitive way, truths having a necessary connection with these.

Catechism of the Catholic Church 88

This statement emphasizes that the Magisterium’s authority is not self-derived but is received from Christ Himself. This authority is exercised especially in the articulation and clarification of dogmas – the central truths of faith that are divinely revealed and hence demand the assent of the faithful. This understanding is crucial for catechists and youth ministers in conveying how the Church’s teachings are grounded in divine authority and are not merely human opinions or philosophical ideas.

Further, the Magisterium’s authority extends to safeguarding and interpreting the Deposit of Faith, which includes both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. This role is vital for maintaining the integrity and continuity of Catholic doctrine. The Magisterium serves not only as a guardian of these truths but also as a living interpreter, applying the ageless wisdom of the Church to contemporary issues and challenges.

This aspect of the Magisterium’s role is particularly relevant in today’s world, where moral and ethical dilemmas often require a clear and authoritative voice grounded in long-standing tradition and faith. Thus, the lesson plan on authority aims to help participants understand that the Magisterium’s teachings are more than historical documents or theological statements; they are living expressions of the Church’s ongoing dialogue with the modern world, guided by the Holy Spirit and rooted in the eternal truths given by Christ to His Church.

Music Suggestions for the Lesson Plan on Authority

• A Rightful Place
• Change Our Hearts
• The Church’s One Foundation
• One Spirit, One Church
• We Walk by Faith

More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections

Having delved into the complex and enlightening theme of authority in our “Who Has Authority?” lesson plan on authority, consider a broader exploration of our faith through a collection of diverse lesson plans. Each plan is designed to build upon our understanding, addressing various facets of Catholic teachings and spirituality. Let us embrace this journey with open hearts and minds, ready to uncover the rich tapestry of wisdom that our Catholic faith offers.

What is the main focus of the lesson plan on authority?

The “Who Has Authority?” lesson plan on authority is designed to explore the concept of authority from a Catholic perspective. It delves into understanding what authority means, how it is exercised by Jesus and within the Church, and how we encounter and respond to different forms of authority in our daily lives.

Who is the target audience for this lesson plan on authority?

This lesson plan on authority is tailored primarily for catechism students, youth groups, and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of Catholic teachings on authority. It’s suitable for both teenagers and adults seeking to explore this integral aspect of their faith.

What materials are needed for the lesson plan on authority?

Participants will need access to the Bible, particularly the Gospel of Mark, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Additionally, resources for the role-play activities, such as scenario descriptions and discussion guides, are essential. A space conducive to group activities and discussions is also necessary.

How long does the lesson plan on authority typically take?

The duration of the “Who Has Authority?” lesson plan on authority can vary, but it is generally designed to fit into a one-hour session. This includes time for the opening activity, group discussions, the reading of scripture, and the closing prayer.

Can the lesson plan on authority be adapted for different group sizes?

Absolutely. The lesson plan on authority is flexible and can be adapted for both small and large groups. The role-play activities and group discussions can be scaled to fit the size of the group, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate actively.

What is the role of the facilitator in the lesson plan on authority?

The facilitator’s role is to guide participants through the lesson plan on authority, ensuring a smooth flow of activities and discussions. They are responsible for presenting the content, moderating discussions, leading the role-play activities, and helping participants connect the concepts to their Catholic faith.

How does the lesson plan on authority integrate with the wider catechetical curriculum?

This lesson plan on authority fits within a broader catechetical curriculum by addressing key aspects of Catholic doctrine and practice. It helps participants understand the role of authority in the Church and its biblical foundations, thus enriching their overall faith education.

Is there a follow-up recommended after completing the lesson plan on authority?

After completing the lesson plan on authority, participants are encouraged to reflect further on the topic, perhaps choosing a specific Church teaching to study in-depth. Continued prayer for understanding and discussions with church leaders or knowledgeable individuals can also be beneficial.

How does the lesson plan on authority address modern challenges to accepting authority?

The lesson plan on authority acknowledges and addresses modern challenges, such as the influence of social media and popular culture, which often conflict with traditional and religious forms of authority. It encourages critical thinking and discernment, helping participants to understand the importance of grounding their beliefs and actions in the teachings of the Church and the example of Jesus.

What role does scripture play in this lesson plan on authority?

Scripture is central to the lesson plan on authority. Key biblical passages, especially from the Gospel of Mark, are used to illustrate how Jesus exercised authority and to show the foundation of the Church’s authority. These scriptural references provide a solid basis for understanding the concept of authority from a Catholic perspective.

Can non-Catholics benefit from participating in the lesson plan on authority?

Yes, non-Catholics can also benefit from this lesson plan on authority. While it is rooted in Catholic teaching, the concepts of authority, leadership, and moral decision-making are universal. Non-Catholics can gain insights into how authority is viewed and exercised within the Catholic Church, which can foster greater understanding and respect for religious perspectives on authority.

Is there a specific way to measure the effectiveness of the lesson plan on authority?

The effectiveness of the lesson plan on authority can be gauged through participant engagement during activities and discussions, as well as through feedback or reflective essays post-session. Observing how participants apply the concepts of authority in their discussions and in their understanding of Church teachings can also be a good indicator.

How does the lesson plan on authority prepare participants for leadership roles in the Church?

The lesson plan on authority prepares participants for leadership by instilling a deep understanding of what it means to exercise authority responsibly, as Jesus did. It emphasizes qualities like humility, service, and adherence to the teachings of the Church, which are crucial for anyone assuming a leadership role within a Catholic context.

What follow-up resources are recommended after the lesson plan on authority?

After completing the lesson plan on authority, participants are encouraged to explore additional resources like Church encyclicals on authority and leadership, biographies of saints known for their authoritative roles in the Church, and contemporary Catholic literature discussing the role of authority in modern society. Engaging in parish activities or discussion groups can also reinforce the lessons learned.