Opening Game
Team Towers
Objective: To illustrate the importance of teamwork, communication, and support in a fun and engaging way.
Materials Needed:
- Plastic cups or building blocks (enough for each team to build a tower)
- A small prize for the winning team (optional)
Instructions:
- Divide the Group into Teams: Split the participants into small groups of 3-4 people.
- Explain the Task: Each team will work together to build the tallest tower possible using the cups or blocks provided. They have 5 minutes to complete the task.
- Add a Twist: To make the game more challenging, add a rule that only one person can touch the cups or blocks at a time. The rest of the team can give instructions, but they cannot touch the materials.
- Start Building: Set a timer for 5 minutes. During this time, teams must communicate and collaborate effectively to build their towers.
- Measure and Discuss: When time is up, measure the towers to see which team built the tallest one. Congratulate the winning team. Then, have a brief discussion about the challenges they faced, the importance of teamwork, and how they had to rely on each other.
Debrief:
- Discuss how the game relates to the lesson’s theme of being “Together We’re Better.” Highlight how teamwork, communication, and support were key to success.
- Connect the experience to the lesson’s focus on helping and supporting each other in faith. Just as the teams needed to work together to build the tower, we need each other’s support to grow in our faith and address challenges.
This game sets a fun and interactive tone for the lesson while reinforcing the key message of the importance of community and support.
Scripture Reading
Next invite everyone get comfortable. After a little warm up discussion about how everyone’s week has been, ask this question
- Imagine your friend had a fork and was going to put it in an electrical socket. What would your reaction be?
- Would you try to stop your friend? Why or why not?
- If you didn’t stop your friend and he or she got hurt, would you feel at all responsible?
Now read Matthew 18:15-20 – the Gospel for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A.
Jesus said to his disciples:
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that ‘every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
Discussion
Jesus doesn’t mean we need to point out every little sin. If we did, people might avoid us. However, some sins can cause serious harm, physically or spiritually. It’s not always easy to see this harm when we’re caught up in it ourselves.
Let’s think about some sins that cause physical harm, like alcohol abuse or inappropriate dating behavior. Then there are sins that can hurt us spiritually, such as not going to Mass or harboring prejudice.
Jesus suggests we first try to help our friends on our own. If that doesn’t work, we can ask for help from someone else, like another friend, a priest, or a youth minister.
It’s also important not to be judgmental when talking about sin. There’s a right and a wrong way to approach these conversations. First, we should remember that we’re all sinners. Second, we should speak with genuine love and care.
To understand this better, let’s role-play.
Pick a “sin” that they should talk to one of the volunteers about. It can be something mentioned above, or you can choose something silly., like their favorite food. First have them demonstrate the “wrong” way. Instruct them to be really judgmental and harsh.
Now have your core team (or volunteers you can trust) demonstrate the “right” way. Have them be loving and caring. They should truly show concern for the ”sinner’s” well being.
Which approach felt better? Which would you respond to more positively?
Another important thing Jesus tells us is to pray. Don’t just talk to your friend about their mistakes; pray for them too.
Now, let’s discuss the Spiritual Works of Mercy. These are actions we can take to help others with their spiritual needs. They guide us in living out our faith by supporting and uplifting those around us. They also help us be a positive influence, especially when others face difficulties or need guidance.
One work is to instruct the ignorant. This means teaching others about the faith or helping them understand something they don’t know. For instance, if a friend is curious about why we go to Mass, we can explain the importance of the Eucharist and gathering as a community. It’s not about showing off knowledge, but helping others grow in understanding.
Another is to counsel the doubtful. People often struggle with their beliefs or decisions. They may not know what is right or wrong. Offering guidance and support during these times is a way to live out this work of mercy. It could be as simple as listening to a friend’s concerns and encouraging them to pray or seek advice from a trusted adult.
Admonish the sinner means helping someone recognize and correct their mistakes. It’s similar to pointing out faults but done with love and care. The goal is to help them see how their actions might be harmful and encourage better choices. It’s not about judging but guiding them toward a better path.
Comfort the afflicted involves offering support to those who are suffering. This could be emotional, physical, or spiritual suffering. Being there for someone during tough times, praying with them, or just listening shows God’s love. It helps them feel less alone and valued.
Forgive offenses willingly means letting go of grudges and being willing to forgive those who have wronged us. This can be challenging, but it is crucial for our own peace and healing relationships. Remembering that we all make mistakes and that God is always ready to forgive us helps us be more forgiving towards others.
Another important Spiritual Work of Mercy is to bear wrongs patiently. This means enduring injustices or mistreatment without anger or revenge. It’s about keeping a calm and forgiving attitude even when others treat us unfairly. This can be very challenging, but it teaches us humility and patience. By responding with patience, we avoid escalating conflicts and demonstrate a Christ-like love and understanding.
Lastly, pray for the living and the dead. Prayer is a powerful way to support others, whether they are alive or have passed away. We can pray for friends and family, for those struggling, and for souls in purgatory. This reminds us of the importance of prayer and our connection with the Church community.
By practicing these Spiritual Works of Mercy, we truly live out the idea that “Together We’re Better.” These actions help us be a light to others, supporting and guiding them in their faith journey. They remind us that we are all part of a larger community, and our actions can positively impact those around us.
Small Group Reflection Questions
Break into small groups for discussion. This is a time to share thoughts and learn from each other. Here are some suggested questions to guide your conversation:
- Have you ever needed to correct a friend? How did you approach the situation? What was the outcome? How did you feel afterward?
- How do you feel when someone corrects you? Do you feel grateful, defensive, or something else? How can the way they approach you affect your response?
- Think about the Spiritual Works of Mercy we discussed. Which one do you find the most challenging? Why? How can you practice this work of mercy in your daily life?
Encourage everyone to share their thoughts and experiences. Remember, this is a safe space for open and respectful discussion. Listen carefully and offer support to each other. The goal is to learn and grow together in faith.
Challenge
This week, try to put what we’ve learned into practice. Think about one of the Spiritual Works of Mercy we discussed. Choose one that you find most meaningful or challenging. For example, you might decide to forgive someone you’ve been holding a grudge against, or offer comfort to a friend going through a tough time. Make a plan to act on it and follow through. Remember, the goal is not just to do the act, but to do it with love and compassion, reflecting the love of Jesus.
Share your experience with a friend or a trusted adult. Talk about how it felt to step out of your comfort zone and make a positive impact. Reflect on what you learned and how it changed your perspective. By sharing, you encourage others to take similar steps and remind them that together we’re better at living out our faith. This is a great way to strengthen our community and grow closer to God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for bringing us together to learn and grow in our faith. Help us to put into practice the Spiritual Works of Mercy, showing kindness, forgiveness, and love to those around us. Give us the courage to gently correct each other and to receive correction with humility. May we always seek to comfort and support one another, remembering that together we’re better in Your love. Guide us as we go forth, and help us to live out these teachings every day. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
More Resources
More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections
For more resources, see https://young-catholics.com/4252/together-were-better-lesson-plan/