The readings for the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B encourage us to be wise and not foolishly make choices which will lead us to spiritual death. In the first reading (Proverbs 9:1-6) we hear of the banquet prepared by wisdom. The psalm (Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7) sings "Taste and see the goodness of the Lord." In the second reading (Ephesians 5:15-20) we are told to let go of our ignorance and live in the Spirit. And in the gospel (John 6:51-58), the people cannot understand how Jesus can be the Bread of Life, for they are seeing through the world's eyes.
This is a good time to speak about the virtue of wisdom and how we need the gifts of the Spirit to follow Jesus. Here are some ideas:
Life is a time for making decisive, eternal choices. Trivial choices lead to a trivial life; great choices to a life of greatness. In fact, we become what we choose. If we choose God, we grow daily in his love, and if we choose to love others, we find true happiness.
Pope Francis
Watch carefully how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise, making the most of the opportunity, because the days are evil. - Ephesians 5:15-16 (Social media graphic)
Thanks Be to God My Deliverer – A Prayer Based on Psalm 34
Psalm 34 is a prayer of thanksgiving which David prayed when God delivered him from his enemies. This prayer based on Psalm 34 expresses this same sentiment. God delivers those who are weak and broken and powerless.
Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit Worksheet (Cryptogram)
This Holy Spirit worksheet introduces the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. A definition of each gift or fruit is given along with the encrypted answer. Each letter actually represents a different letter. So every time a youth decrypts a word, they get more clues for how to decrypt the remaining word.
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