The mass readings for Year B focus on the Gospel of Mark. A good commentary assists the reader to access the themes in the gospel and respond to them. Mary Healy helps the reader understand the culture and landscape and the time of Jesus in order to bring this gospel to life.
Scripture
Ignorance of Scripture Is Ignorance of Christ
Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ. – St. Jerome (Social media graphic)
Ignatian Contemplation
In this video, Fr. James Martin describes the method of prayer known as Ignatian contemplation. It is a method of praying with scripture. In this method of prayer, you use your imagination to place yourself in a scene from the Bible and become aware of how the Holy Spirit moves you in that experience.
Saint Paul: Persecutor to Apostle
Conversion is an ongoing, lifelong, daily experience. This video provides wonderful background material for a youth ministry discussion about discipleship, the epistles of St. Paul, or conversion.
15th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A (2023)
Sunday, July 23
The readings for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time tell of how our relationship with God helps us grow, which in turn allows our lives to bear fruit. Discipleship, scripture, and evangelization are some possible themes for this week. Here are some ideas.
Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina means “divine reading”. It is a prayer practice which trusts that God speaks to us through scripture. This is a practice I started doing regularly a few years ago.
Inspired By You Letters (Youth Ministry Activity)
Inspired By You letters give teens an opportunity to reflect on a person who has inspired them. They are also an opportunity to inspire themselves! This activity goes well with a meeting focused on the Holy Spirit or on Scripture as the inspired Word of God. It could also be used as part of a Confirmation program.
St. John the Evangelist
Monday, December 27
St. John the Evangelist was one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ. He is the author of the Gospel of John, the Epistles of John, and the Book of Revelation. His feast day is December 27.
Bible Scavenger Hunt
Bible Scavenger Hunt is a game for youth which gets kids up and moving and encourages them to get familiar with their Bibles