Begin the lesson with the Pathway to Change game. This is an obstacle course that represents the spiritual journey of turning toward God. Each obstacle has a reflection card that prompts participants to think about habits to let go of, changes to make, or beliefs to hold on to. The activity is both fun and thought-provoking, helping youth connect physical challenges with their own faith journey. After the game, use the questions below to guide discussion.

Full instructions can be found here: Learn more about the Pathway to Change game or print the instructions.

You just experienced a game that was about more than running through obstacles. Each station asked you to think about your own life. What things do you hold on to that may not help you grow closer to God? What habits or choices might be holding you back? The game was meant to get you moving, but also to get you thinking about what it means to repent, to turn away from what is wrong, and to take steps toward something better.

This is what Jesus is talking about when He says, “Repent and believe.” It is not only about saying sorry or feeling bad. It is about recognizing that God has something greater for you and being willing to move in that direction. The obstacles in the course are like the challenges we face every day. Sometimes it feels easier to give up or stay the same. But Jesus calls us to step forward with courage, trusting that His love can help us through.

As we move into the scripture and our discussion, keep the game in mind. Think about the moments where you hesitated or felt challenged. Those moments can show you something about your own journey with God. Repentance is not just about admitting where we fall short. It is about choosing to grow and to believe in the good news that God loves us. Let’s look at some questions together and share what we can learn.

Reflect on a moment during the game where you felt challenged or hesitant. How does this reflect your personal experiences with change or repentance?

Discuss how the act of sharing beliefs and intentions with others can impact your faith journey.

• How does the concept of overcoming obstacles relate to the process of repentance and belief in the gospel?
• In what ways can acknowledging and acting upon the need for change bring us closer to understanding God’s love and grace?
• Consider the role of community in our spiritual lives. How can we support one another in our paths to repentance and belief?

Imagine this. You are sitting in the park, minding your own business. Somebody comes up to you and says, “Repent and believe!” What would your reaction be? Would you be offended? Would you be curious? What would the word repent make you think? Today’s gospel reading is not long. It mentions the temptation in the desert but focuses more on what came after. Jesus steps out of the desert ready to act. He tells everyone, “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Mark 1:12-15 (The Temptation in the Desert) – the Gospel Reading for the 1st Sunday of Lent – Year B

The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him.

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Mark 1:12-15

When we hear today’s gospel, one of the first details is that John the Baptist has been arrested. That is not a small thing. John was a strong and fearless voice who called people to turn back to God. Now he is silenced by those in power. Right after this happens, Jesus steps out and begins to preach. He knows that His message will not sit well with leaders who want to keep control. But Jesus still proclaims, “Repent, and believe in the gospel.” This shows courage. It also shows how deeply He is committed to His mission. He is not afraid of what others may think or do. He is focused on what God has asked Him to do.

Think about that for a moment. Most of us do not like to be told that we need to change. If someone walked up to you and said, “Repent,” your first reaction might be to roll your eyes, ignore them, or even feel insulted. It sounds like they are saying, “You are wrong. Your life is a mess.” None of us like to hear that. But repentance is not about shaming people. It is about an honest look at where we are and where God is calling us to be.

To repent means to feel sorrow for sin, but it is more than just a feeling. It means wanting to turn in a new direction. Imagine you are walking down a road and suddenly realize it is the wrong way. Repentance is like stopping, turning around, and heading toward the right path. It is about leaving behind what is broken and stepping toward healing. That takes humility. It takes honesty. And it takes trust in God’s mercy.

But notice that Jesus does not stop at “repent.” He also says, “believe in the gospel.” Repentance by itself could leave us stuck in guilt. Belief is what lifts us up. To believe in the gospel is to trust that God loves us beyond measure and that His mercy is always ready to meet us. In our world, we are often told to “believe in yourself.” That sounds good, but Jesus points us toward something bigger. He tells us to believe in the good news—that God’s love is free, and that we are His children.

Think about what this really means. If you knew with every fiber of your being that God loved you unconditionally, would you still chase after likes on social media? Would you still feel the need to prove yourself to classmates, teammates, or even family members? Many times, the pressure we feel comes from not fully believing that God’s love is enough. We try to fill that emptiness with popularity, success, or approval. But Jesus tells us that the gospel—the good news—is already ours. We don’t have to earn it.

Living with this truth changes everything. If you really believed you are loved by God, you would feel less anxious. You would not have to put others down to feel better about yourself. You could stop pretending and be more real. Your choices would not be driven by fear of rejection but by a response to love. You could forgive more easily, because you know how much you have been forgiven. You could show kindness without worrying what others will think, because your worth is already secure.

This also changes how we see others. If you know you are God’s beloved child, then you also know the person next to you is God’s beloved child. The person who annoys you, the one who ignores you, even the one who hurts you—all of them are loved by God. That does not mean we excuse everything, but it does mean we begin to see others with new eyes. We can treat them with dignity and respect, because that is how God treats us.

Lent is the perfect time to take this message seriously. It is not just about giving up candy or soda. It is about turning our hearts back to God and remembering who we are. It is about asking, “What do I need to let go of so that I can live in God’s love more fully? How can I act in a way that shows I truly believe in the gospel?” Repentance and belief go together. One helps us leave behind what is false, and the other helps us hold on to what is true.

So as we go deeper into this season, ask yourself some real questions. Where do I need to repent? What habits or attitudes keep me from God? Do I believe the gospel, or am I still trying to prove myself in ways that do not satisfy? Imagine what your life would look like if you really lived in the freedom of knowing you are God’s child. How would it affect the way you see yourself? How would it change the way you treat your friends, your family, or even people you don’t get along with?

Jesus’ call to repent and believe is not meant to crush us. It is meant to free us. It is an invitation to a new way of life. This Lent, let’s take that invitation seriously. Let’s be honest about where we need to change, and let’s trust the good news that God’s love is more than enough for us.

When moving into small groups, remind everyone that this is a safe place to share. Encourage youth to listen with respect and without interrupting. Let them know it is okay if they don’t feel ready to share something personal. The goal is to reflect together, encourage each other, and discover how God is working in each of our lives. Invite honest answers and let the Spirit guide the conversation.

• Think about a time when someone told you that you needed to change. How did you feel, and how does that connect to the idea of repentance?
• What does the word “repent” mean to you personally? Does it feel hard or hopeful?
• Jesus calls us not only to repent but also to believe in the gospel. How are these two things connected?
• If you truly believed that you are God’s beloved child, how might that change the way you see yourself?
• How does knowing God loves you unconditionally affect the way you treat other people?
• What are some obstacles that make it difficult for you to believe fully in the good news of the gospel?
• How can your faith community, friends, or family help support you in your journey of repentance and belief?
• What is one step you feel called to take this Lent to grow closer to God?

This week, challenge yourself to take one small but real step in living out the call to repent and believe. Think about something in your life that pulls you away from God—a habit, an attitude, or even the way you speak to others. Choose one thing and work on turning from it. Repentance is not about being perfect overnight. It’s about making a choice to move in a new direction, even if it’s just one step at a time.

At the same time, focus on believing in the good news that you are God’s beloved child. You can practice this in simple, everyday ways. Try starting each morning with a short prayer, asking God to remind you of His love throughout the day. Look for a moment to show kindness to someone without expecting anything in return. Or take time to read a short passage from Scripture and ask yourself how it shows God’s love for you. These small choices can begin to shape your week in powerful ways.

Let’s take a moment now to quiet our hearts and come together in prayer. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and remember that God is here with us.

Lord Jesus, you call us to repent and believe. You know the struggles we face and the mistakes we make. Yet you still invite us to turn back to you. Help us to be honest about the things we need to change and to trust that your mercy is greater than our failures.

Loving Father, remind us each day that we are your beloved children. Teach us to rest in your love instead of chasing after the approval of others. Give us the courage to follow your gospel and to live in freedom and peace.

Holy Spirit, guide us this week as we try to take small steps of faith. Strengthen us when we are weak, and inspire us to love others with kindness and patience. May our lives show that we belong to you.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Themes

• Call to Conversion: Jesus invites us to turn from sin and follow Him. This means looking honestly at our lives and making changes where needed. It is a daily choice to live closer to God.
• Trust in the Gospel: Believing in the gospel means trusting in God’s love and mercy. We do not rely only on ourselves but on His grace. This trust brings hope and strength in our faith.
• God’s Unconditional Love: God loves us as His children without us earning it. His love is steady even when we fall short. Knowing this gives us confidence to change and grow.
• Courage in Faith: Jesus spoke the truth even when it was risky. Following Him sometimes means facing resistance. Faith calls us to be brave and steady in our witness.
• Freedom from Sin: Repentance frees us from what holds us back. When we let go of harmful habits, we make space for God’s peace. This freedom helps us live with joy.
• Power of Community: We are not meant to walk alone in faith. The Church supports us with prayer, guidance, and encouragement. Together we grow stronger as followers of Christ.
• Daily Renewal: Repentance is not a one-time act. It is a process we live each day. Each moment offers a chance to return to God.
• Lenten Reflection: Lent is a special time to focus on repentance and belief. It prepares us for Easter by drawing us closer to Jesus. It helps us practice prayer, fasting, and service with new purpose.
• Seeing Others with Love: When we believe in God’s love for us, we see others differently. We can treat people with respect and kindness. We recognize that they are also children of God.
• Following Jesus’ Example: Jesus lived with faithfulness and courage. He invites us to do the same in our lives. This means trusting God’s will and choosing what is right.
• Living the Good News: The gospel is more than words. It changes how we act, speak, and think. Believing in it shapes our everyday choices.

Background Material

The call to “repent and believe” is one of the first messages Jesus speaks in the Gospel of Mark. After His baptism and time in the desert, Jesus begins His public mission with these simple but powerful words: “The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). This message is not just for the people who heard Him long ago. It is for us today. It sets the pattern for Christian life. To follow Jesus means to turn away from sin and to trust fully in God’s love.

Repentance is an important part of our Catholic faith. It is not only about feeling sorry for sins but about real change. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains, “Jesus’ call to conversion and penance… does not aim first at outward works, but at the conversion of the heart, interior conversion” (CCC 1430). True repentance is about the heart. It means letting God reshape us so that our lives reflect His love. This is why we have the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Confession helps us face our sins honestly, receive God’s mercy, and start fresh.

Belief is the second part of the message. Jesus tells us to believe in the gospel, the good news. The good news is that God loves us and wants us to live in friendship with Him. Saint Paul writes, “God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Believing means trusting this promise even when we struggle or doubt. It means putting our hope in God’s mercy instead of relying only on ourselves.

This lesson also connects to the season of Lent. Lent is a time when the Church calls us to deeper repentance and stronger belief. Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we turn away from selfishness and focus on God. The ashes we receive on Ash Wednesday are a reminder of repentance. They call us to humility and to trust in God’s forgiveness. By living these practices, we prepare our hearts for Easter and the joy of new life in Christ.

The Catholic tradition also shows us that repentance and belief are not private matters alone. They are lived out in community. We are called to encourage each other in faith. Saint James writes, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed” (James 5:16). The Church gives us the support we need. Our families, parishes, and schools help us stay on the path of faith. Together, we grow as disciples of Jesus.

In the end, the call to repent and believe is about freedom. It frees us from sin and fear. It opens us to God’s love and the joy of living as His children. This is not just a Lenten message. It is the heart of Christian life. Each day, we are invited to turn back to God and to place our trust in the gospel. Through this daily choice, we find peace, hope, and the strength to follow Jesus more closely.

Music Suggestions

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