Opening Game for the I Am With You Lesson Plan on the Holy Spirit
Start this I am With You lesson plan on the Advocate by playing Sculptionary (see the complete instructions). Use some words from today’s gospel. For example: Jesus, Father, love, Holy Spirit, peace, afraid, rejoice. If you think it will be too difficult, you can give them copies of the reading and explain that the words being sculpted are in it.
Follow up with a few questions:
- Which of the words were the easiest to sculpt?
- Which were the most difficult?
- Which member of the Trinity do you have the most difficulty understanding or relating to? Why?
Let’s pause for a moment and take a deep breath. You see, we’ve just emerged from the game, Sculptionary, where we played with words like “Jesus,” “Father,” “love,” and “Holy Spirit.” It’s easy to sculpt words on paper, but sculpting our understanding of the Holy Spirit? That’s a bit like shaping clouds – intriguing, yet somewhat elusive.
Think about it: Jesus walked on this very Earth, just like you and me. We can wrap our heads around that. And hey, parents, we’ve got them too. We can relate to the whole parent-child dynamic. But then there’s the Holy Spirit, this enigmatic force that’s not quite like anything else. It’s like trying to catch a glimpse of wind – you can feel it, but it slips through your fingers.
We’re venturing into the realm of the unknown here, where understanding feels a bit like searching for your keys in the dark. But hey, don’t fret – we’re diving into this challenge together. Let’s keep our curiosity caps on and tackle the intricate puzzle of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture Reading for the I Am With You Lesson Plan on the Holy Spirit
John 14:23-29 (Jesus promises the Holy Spirit) – the Gospel Reading for the 6th Sunday of Easter – Year C
Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.
“I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.”John 14:23-29
Discussion for the I Am With You Lesson Plan on the Holy Spirit
In today’s Gospel, Jesus makes a powerful promise: the gift of the Holy Spirit. He speaks of the Holy Spirit as the Advocate, someone who will remain with us and teach us all that we need to know. Jesus also mentions the Father, and through this passage, we see the interconnectedness of the Trinity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is a mystery that can be hard to understand, but let’s take some time to reflect on it.
The Trinity is three persons in one God. It’s impossible to fully separate them because they are completely joined in their divine nature. God the Father is the Creator. He is the source of everything, the one from whom all things flow. This includes Jesus, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. But just because Jesus and the Holy Spirit come from the Father doesn’t mean they are less than Him. They are all fully God, sharing the same divine essence. The Father is beyond anything we can imagine, and our human minds cannot fully grasp Him. Yet, He reveals Himself to us through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus, the Son, is God’s Word made flesh. In Jesus, God chose to become human, taking on everything that comes with being one of us. Jesus lived as we do, feeling joy, sorrow, hunger, and pain. He even faced death, just like we will one day. But because He is fully God, death could not defeat Him. Through His resurrection, Jesus shows us that God’s love and life are stronger than anything, even death itself. And even though Jesus returned to the Father, He remains with us in a special way through the Eucharist, where His presence nourishes us.
Then there is the Holy Spirit, who comes from both the Father and the Son. You might think of the Spirit as the love between the Father and the Son, a love so strong and real that it is a person of the Trinity. The Spirit is the force that empowered Jesus to obey the Father completely, trusting Him even in the face of death. And this same Spirit is given to us. The Holy Spirit helps us remember everything Jesus taught us about the Father and His love for us.
The Holy Spirit is not just with us; the Spirit lives in us. When we were baptized, we received the gift of the Holy Spirit, and it has been dwelling in us ever since. The Spirit helps us understand ourselves—our unique gifts, talents, and even our weaknesses—and through this understanding, we grow closer to God. The Spirit is God within us, calling us into a deeper relationship with Him and inviting us to share in the life of the Trinity.
The Holy Spirit does more than dwell in us. The Spirit teaches, guides, and inspires us every day. Have you ever felt a small push to make the right decision, even when it was hard? That’s the Holy Spirit at work. Have you ever had a moment when a Scripture passage suddenly made sense in a way it hadn’t before? That’s the Holy Spirit teaching you. Or maybe you’ve felt drawn to try a new kind of prayer or reach out to someone in need. That’s the Holy Spirit moving you to grow in your faith.
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would be our Advocate, walking with us and guiding us in all we do. The Spirit’s guidance is not always dramatic or obvious. Sometimes, it comes as a quiet thought, a feeling of peace, or a sense of direction when we feel lost. The key is to be open and pay attention. The Spirit speaks to us in ways that are personal and unique, just as each of us is unique. The more we listen, the more we will recognize the Spirit’s presence in our lives.
The Holy Spirit helps us to be disciples of Jesus. By teaching us, reminding us of Jesus’ words, and helping us grow in love, the Spirit shows us how to live as followers of Christ. So this week, take some time to be aware of the Spirit in your life. Pay attention to those moments of guidance or inspiration. The Holy Spirit is always with you, just as Jesus promised, leading you closer to God and helping you live your faith each day.
Small Group Reflection Questions for the I Am With You Lesson Plan on the Holy Spirit
When leading your small group, encourage everyone to share openly and respectfully. Remind participants that this is a safe space where everyone’s thoughts and feelings are valued. Allow time for each person to speak without interruption and ensure that no one feels pressured to share if they are uncomfortable. Use the questions below to guide your discussion, but feel free to let the conversation flow naturally if the group feels inspired to explore related topics.
- What stands out to you the most about Jesus’ promise of “I am with you” in today’s Gospel? Why?
- How do you experience God as Father, Son, or Holy Spirit in your own life?
- The Holy Spirit is described as living within us. How does this idea affect how you see yourself and your relationship with God?
- Have you ever felt the Holy Spirit guiding or nudging you in your decisions? Can you share an example?
- How can we become more aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our daily lives?
- What does it mean to you to think of the Holy Spirit as an Advocate or Teacher?
- How can the Holy Spirit help us when we face challenges or difficulties in living out our faith?
- What unique gifts or talents do you feel the Holy Spirit has given you? How can you use these to serve others?
- How do you see the Holy Spirit working in the world around you, in your family, school, or community?
- How can our small group help each other grow in recognizing and responding to the Holy Spirit?
Challenge for the I Am With You Lesson Plan on the Holy Spirit
This week, let’s work on building a deeper bond with the Holy Spirit. Each day, take a few moments to talk to the Holy Spirit, just like you would with a close friend. Think of it as a way to refresh your spirit and get ready for the day ahead. During these moments, share your thoughts, worries, and joys. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and support. This simple practice can help you feel more connected and peaceful.
The Holy Spirit is always there to help you, especially when you face tough decisions. By setting aside time each day to speak with the Spirit, you’ll find it easier to navigate challenges and make better choices. The Holy Spirit will give you the wisdom and strength you need. Remember, you are not alone. The Holy Spirit is your constant companion, ready to guide and comfort you. This daily practice can make a big difference in your life and help you grow in faith.
Prayer for the I Am With You Lesson Plan on the Holy Spirit
To end our lesson, let’s pray the Prayer to the Holy Spirit. This prayer helps us invite the Holy Spirit into our hearts and lives. It is a way to ask for guidance, wisdom, and strength. When we pray, we open ourselves up to the Holy Spirit’s presence and power. This prayer can be a powerful tool to help us feel more connected to God. By praying together, we remind ourselves that the Holy Spirit is always with us, ready to support and guide us every day.
Conclude by praying the Prayer to the Holy Spirit.
More Resources for the I Am With You Lesson Plan on the Holy Spirit
More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections
See more resources for this lesson plan at https://young-catholics.com/16336/i-am-with-you-lesson-plan-holy-spirit/