Unwelcome

Start by playing a game. Ask a question. The youth should call out their answer until they find someone else with the same answer.

Some possible questions:

• What is your favorite color?
• How many siblings do you have?
• What is your favorite pizza topping?
• What type of pet do you have?

Give them a minute or so to find their group. For those who found everyone with the same answer, give them a small piece of candy. Or give them a point if keeping score. Some people will not have anyone else with the same answer. That is OK. Then ask another question.

After playing the game, ask a few questions.

• Did you like to find people who had the same answer as you? Why or why not?
• If you were the only person with a particular answer, how did that make you feel?
• When you are at school or at a social event, do you like to feel like you are a member of a group?
• How do you think it feels to be excluded from a group? Has this ever happened to you?

None of us like to feel left out or rejected. We like to feel like we belong. It gives us security. But even Jesus was rejected:

Read the Gospel:

Mark 6:1-6 (Jesus is rejected in his home town) – the Gospel Reading for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B

Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples.

When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them.

He was amazed at their lack of faith.

Mark 6:1-6

In this passage, Jesus goes back to his hometown with his disciples. On the Sabbath, he begins to teach in the synagogue. Many people are surprised and start asking questions like, “Where did he get this wisdom? Isn’t he just a carpenter? Aren’t his brothers and sisters here with us?”

They couldn’t believe that someone they knew could have such wisdom and power. They were disturbed by him. Because of their lack of faith, Jesus couldn’t do many miracles there, except for healing a few sick people. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

Jesus probably didn’t expect to be rejected by the people he grew up with. They thought they knew him well, and they couldn’t understand how he could be special. This shows that even Jesus faced rejection from those close to him.

• How do you think Jesus’ friends and family saw him?
• Do you think Jesus wanted to heal the people from his town?
• How do you think Jesus felt when he realized they had no faith?

It can be hard to imagine Jesus having feelings like us, but he did. He felt hurt when people didn’t believe in him. This shows that Jesus understands our feelings when we face rejection.

Instead of getting angry or trying to argue with the people, Jesus chose to move on. He went to other villages and continued his mission. He also sent his apostles to heal people and spread his teachings.

He advised his apostles, “If a place doesn’t welcome you, leave and shake the dust off your feet.” This means that if people reject you, don’t dwell on it. Move on to where people are ready to listen.

From this passage, we learn that rejection is part of life. Even Jesus experienced it. When we face rejection, we should follow Jesus’ example. Instead of getting upset, we should move on and focus on those who are open to us. Jesus teaches us to keep going and not let rejection stop us from doing good.

Following the large group discussion, small group reflection questions can help youth explore these ideas in a safe environment.

• What are the dangers of returning over and over to people who reject us? How can this affect our self-esteem and faith?
• What can we learn from Jesus’ example when we feel rejected or left out? How did He handle rejection, and what does that teach us?
• Who are some people we can turn to when we feel isolated or lonely? Why is it important to have a support system?
• How can we make sure the people we encounter feel loved and included? What are some practical ways to show love and acceptance?
• Have you ever felt rejected by someone close to you? How did you handle it, and what did you learn from the experience?
• Why do you think the people in Jesus’ hometown rejected Him? How can we avoid making similar judgments about others?
• What does it mean to “shake the dust off your feet” when facing rejection? How can we apply this in our own lives?
• How can our faith help us cope with feelings of rejection or loneliness? What role does prayer play in these moments?
• What are some positive ways to respond to rejection instead of letting it bring us down?
• How can we support our friends and family members who feel rejected or isolated? What are some encouraging words or actions we can offer them?

This week, your challenge is to help someone feel like they belong. If you see someone who seems left out, take the first step to talk to them. It could be a classmate, a teammate, or someone new in your group. Start a conversation and show interest in what they have to say.

Invite them to join in with something you are doing. It could be sitting with you at lunch, joining a game, or working on a project together. Be extra welcoming and friendly. You might even make a new friend. By reaching out, you can make a big difference in someone’s day and help them feel included.

Conclude by suggesting that everyone try to think of a time they were rejected and it hurt. Then pray this Prayer after Being Rejected.

Themes for the Unwelcome Lesson Plan

In this lesson, we will explore the theme of rejection and how it fits into Catholic teaching. Rejection is something everyone experiences, even Jesus. By studying how Jesus handled rejection, we can learn important lessons about faith, perseverance, and compassion. This lesson will help us understand that rejection does not define our worth and that we can find strength and support in our faith and community.

• Understanding Rejection: Learn that rejection is a part of life, even for Jesus.
• Jesus’ Example: See how Jesus handled rejection and learn from His actions.
• Faith and Perseverance: Stay strong in your faith even when facing rejection.
• Community Support: Find comfort and support in your faith community.
• Moving Forward: Learn to move on from rejection and continue your mission.
• Compassion and Inclusion: Make others feel loved and included, following Jesus’ teachings.
• Prayer and Guidance: Use prayer to find strength and guidance during tough times.

Understanding rejection through the lens of Jesus’ experience helps us grow in faith and resilience. By following Jesus’ example, we learn to stay strong, move forward, and support others who feel left out. Remember, rejection is not the end but a chance to deepen our faith and show compassion. Let’s strive to make everyone feel included and loved, just as Jesus taught us.

Background Material for the Unwelcome Lesson Plan

Rejection is a universal experience that everyone faces at some point in life. This lesson plan aims to help teens understand rejection through the teachings of the Catholic faith. By examining Jesus’ experiences and Catholic teachings, we can find guidance and strength to deal with rejection in our own lives.

One key biblical passage that highlights Jesus’ experience with rejection is Mark 6:1-6. In this passage, Jesus returns to His hometown of Nazareth and teaches in the synagogue. Despite His wisdom and miracles, the people who knew Him from childhood rejected Him. They couldn’t believe that the carpenter’s son could be the Messiah. Jesus responds, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” This passage shows that even Jesus, who was perfect, faced rejection from those closest to Him.

This experience of Jesus teaches us several important lessons. First, rejection is not a reflection of our worth. If Jesus, who was sinless and full of wisdom, was rejected, we should not be surprised when we face rejection. It is a part of the human experience. Second, Jesus’ reaction to rejection teaches us resilience. Instead of being discouraged, Jesus continued His mission. He moved on to other villages and continued to spread His message and perform miracles. This teaches us to keep moving forward despite rejection.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church also provides insights into dealing with rejection. It teaches us about the importance of community and support. In paragraph 1820, the Catechism states, “Christian hope unfolds from the beginning of Jesus’ preaching in the proclamation of the beatitudes. The beatitudes raise our hope toward heaven as the new Promised Land; they trace the path that leads through the trials that await the disciples of Jesus. But through the merits of Jesus Christ and of his Passion, God keeps us in the ‘hope that does not disappoint.’ Hope is the sure and steadfast anchor of the soul…”

This passage highlights that our hope and strength come from Jesus. Even when we face trials like rejection, we can find hope in Christ’s promises. This hope is our anchor, keeping us steadfast and resilient.

Additionally, St. Teresa of Avila, a renowned Catholic saint, offers wisdom on handling rejection and trials. She said, “Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things are passing; God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.” This quote reminds us that with God, we have everything we need to endure rejection and hardships. Our faith in God provides the strength and patience to overcome difficulties.

Furthermore, Catholic social teaching emphasizes the importance of community and supporting each other. The principle of solidarity calls us to stand with others, especially those who feel marginalized or rejected. By offering support and inclusion to those who feel left out, we live out the call to be Christ-like in our actions.

Understanding rejection through Jesus’ experience and Catholic teachings helps us find strength and resilience. The Bible, the Catechism, and the wisdom of saints like St. Teresa of Avila provide guidance on how to deal with rejection. By following Jesus’ example and relying on our faith, we can move forward with hope and continue to fulfill our mission. This lesson plan encourages teens to find comfort in their faith, support one another, and learn to handle rejection in a healthy and positive way.

Music Suggestions for the Unwelcome Lesson Plan on Rejection

• Christ Be Our Light
• Your Love Defends Me
• Come as You Are
• Fragrance Prayer
• Remind Me Who I Am

More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections

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