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BOOKLET 1 LYY SSCCRRIIPPTTUUR TTNNTTTT WWEEEEKKL REE LLEESSSSOONN STUDENT SUPPORT SYSTEM
STUDENT STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Read the weekly scripture lesson at home before going to TNTT and/or church 2. Participate and share in the bible sharing session 3. Practice the virtue from the Live It! section daily
YOUTH PARENT LEADER PARENT’S RESPONSIBILITIES YOUTH-LEADER’S RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Read the weekly scripture lesson with 1. Prepare a weekly scripture lesson your child with prayer 2. Share and connect the Gospel to 2. Share and connect the Gospel to daily life family life 3. Encourage students to do homework and 3. Help, pray, and remind your child to practice the weekly virtue practice the virtue from the Live It! section Date/Page Week Lesson Virtue to Practice Assignments
August 2, 2020 Ord. A-18 Jesus’ Miracle with Five Loaves of Bread and Two Fishes Care Read the lesson Page 2 Do homework/Practice virtue August 9, 2020 Ord. A-19 Jesus Walks on the Water Trust Read the lesson Page 4 Do homework/Practice virtue August 16, 2020 Ord. A-20 Jesus Praises the Canaanite Woman’ Faith Perseverance Read the lesson Page 6 Do homework/Practice virtue August 23, 2020 Ord. A-21 Peter’s Confession About Jesus Sincerity Read the lesson Page 8 Do homework/Practice virtue August 30, 2020 Ord. A-22 The Conditions of Jesus’ Discipleship Detachment Read the lesson Page 10 Do homework/Practice virtue September 6, 2020 Ord. A-23 Jesus’ Teaching on Correction of a Brother Who Sins Harmony Read the lesson Page 12 Do homework/Practice virtue September 13, 2020 Ord. A-24 Jesus’ Parable of the Unforgiving Servant Forgiveness Read the lesson Page 14 Do homework/Practice virtue September 20, 2020 Ord. A-25 Jesus’ Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard Generosity Read the lesson Page 16 Do homework/Practice virtue September 27, 2020 Ord. A-26 Jesus’ Parable of the Two Sons Flexibility Read the lesson Page 18 Do homework/Practice virtue October 4, 2020 Ord. A-27 Jesus’ Parable of the Tenants Acceptance Read the lesson Page 20 Do homework/Practice virtue October 11, 2020 Ord. A-28 Jesus’ Parable of the Wedding Feast Consideration Read the lesson Page 22 Do homework/Practice virtue October 18, 2020 Ord. A-29 Jesus Teaches Us Giving God What Belongs to God Integrity Read the lesson Page 24 Do homework/Practice virtue October 25, 2020 Ord. A-30 Jesus’ Greatest Commandment Reverence Read the lesson Page 26 Do homework/Practice virtue November 1, 2020 Solemnity of All Jesus Teaches Us the Eight Beatitudes Happiness Read the lesson Page 28 Saints Do homework/Practice virtue November 8, 2020 Ord. A-32 Jesus’ Parable of the Ten Virgins Prudence Read the lesson Page 30 Do homework/Practice virtue November 15, 2020 Ord. A-33 Jesus’ Parable of the Talents Reliability Read the lesson Page 32 Do homework/Practice virtue November 22, 2020 Christ the King Jesus’ Judgment Compassion Read the lesson Page 34 Ord. A-34 Do homework/Practice virtue November 29, 2020 Advent B-1 Jesus Reminds Us to Be Prepared Preparedness Read the lesson Page 36 Do homework/Practice virtue December 6, 2020 Advent B-2 Jesus is the Good News Hope Read the lesson Page 38 Do homework/Practice virtue December 13, 2020 Advent B-3 Make Straight the Way for Jesus’ Coming Determination Read the lesson Page 40 Do homework/Practice virtue December 20, 2020 Advent B-4 Mother of Jesus Says Yes to God Obedience Read the lesson Page 42 Do homework/Practice virtue December 27, 2020 The Holy Family Jesus in Presented in the Temple Faithfulness Read the lesson Page 44 Do homework/Practice virtue January 3, 2021 Epiphany of the Jesus shows Himself to the Gentiles Sharing Read the lesson Page 46 Lord Do homework/Practice virtue WEEK A-18 Matthew 14:13-21 Jesus’ Miracle with Five Loaves of Bread and Two Fishes
When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” [Jesus] said to them, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.” But they said to him, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.” Then he said, “Bring them here to me,” and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over- twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children.
1. UNDERSTAND IT! 2. EXPLORE IT! In the Gospel today, Disembarked To go ashore and leave thousands of people a ship. gathered in a distant place where Jesus was The feeling of sorrow teaching and healing and compassion caused the sick. When it came Pity by the suffering and time for dinner, there was nothing for people misfortunes of others. to eat, other than five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus was able to provide food for the entire crowd, over five thousand people. Jesus A small part broken or miraculously multiplied the amount of food so Fragments separate off of that everyone was well fed, and moreover, something. there were twelve baskets of leftovers.
2 3. CONNECT IT! 4. LIVE IT! [ CARE )
The Gospel today focuses on the To care means to show kindness and concern compassion (care) Jesus has for for others. all people. First, we see Jesus’ care for people by performing As Jesus showed care for over 5,000 people miracles to those who are sick, who followed Him, this week, show care Jesus was “moved with pity for through an caring act each day. Maybe it’s them, and He cured their sick.” doing something nice to your parents such Second, He shows care for as washing the dishes because they had a people in their hunger and long day working, or it’s a classmate who showed loving generosity. Jesus dropped something and you helped pick it teaches us through this Gospel up. Also, it could be to show kindness to that that sometimes, many of the one person in school who sits by themselves problems we face are too big for during lunch. us to handle, which in today’s Gospel, was how to feed over 5,000 people. Yet at the same time, Jesus reminds us that He wants us to offer whatever resources we might have to be part of the solution, which is the five loaves of bread and two fish.
5. REMEMBER IT! 6. PRAY IT!
Dear Jesus. Bless my soul and grace it with care. Fill my heart “There is no with such love for You and for my need for them neighbour, that all my words and to go away; give actions radiate with joy and them some food comfort, consolation and yourselves.” understanding. Help me be more Matthew 14:16 caring so that it becomes the backdrop of my soul’s life and substance. In Your name, I pray. Amen.
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3 WEEK A-19 Matthew 14:22-33
After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once [Jesus] spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”
1. UNDERSTAND IT!
Dismissed To order or allow to leave
Frightened Cause to feel extreme fear
Homage A special honor or respect shown publicly
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Previously in Matthew Chapter 8, there was a story that is similar to today’s Gospel, but this time their roles are reversed. When Jesus calms the storm and the seas in the earlier gospel, the disciples do not show fear until Jesus has walked on the water towards them. However, in today’s Gospel, Jesus does not calm the storm or the seas, but it is the sight of Jesus that they fear. Jesus calms their fears and tells them to be not afraid. As Peter seeks to come to Jesus, he steps out of the boat and walks on water towards Jesus. However, when Peter focuses on the strength of the storm, he began to sink. It is then that Jesus saves Peter and both arrive in the boat.
3. CONNECT IT! 4. LIVE IT! the firm belief in Jesus shows us in today’s Gospel the the reality, truth, importance on focuses on God and ability, or strength always making sure God is the of someone or center of our lives. Our life can be something. “stormy”, with school, friends, family, and TNTT all needing our focus and Jesus asks us to trust Him in all that attention. But Jesus reminds us, as we do. This week, build a stronger He reminded Peter, that despite the relationship with God by praying and “storminess” of our life, if we focus having a conversation with Him for at least 5 minutes. Tell Him how your on God, God will take care of us. day went, what are you having trouble with, what you wish was different, the needs of your family, 5. REMEMBER IT! etc.
“O you of little 6. PRAY IT! faith, why did you My God, I offer You my prayers, works, joys and doubt?” sufferings of this day in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer (Matthew 14:31) them for all the intentions of Your Son’s Sacred Heart, for the salvation of souls, reparation for sin, and the reunion of Christians. Amen.
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5 Jesus Praises the Canaanite Woman’s Faith
WEEK A - 20 Matthew 15:21-28
6 7 WEEK A-21 Matthew 16:13-20
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When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is? They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. A promised leader or savior Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound Messiah in heaven; and whatever you loose on sent by God earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one Elijah A prophet of God that he was the Messiah. Jeremiah was the son of a Jewish priest from the Jeremiah Benjamite village of Anathoth. The first listed apostle ordained by Jesus in the early church. Peter was a Simon Peter fisherman in Bethsaida. He was named Simon, son of Jonah or John. The place of God's final Netherworld punishment - Hell
8 2. EXPLORE IT! 3. CONNECT IT!
But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter Peter recognized Jesus as God’s Son answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the because of what he felt in his heart. How do living God.” (16:16). In response to Jesus' you recognize Jesus? You need to realize question, Peter speaks for the disciples and that Jesus already knows you. He created announces that Jesus is the Messiah, the you and loves you so much and has gone to Son of the living God. Jesus confirms this every length to demonstrate His unending confession by blessing Peter and announcing love for you. As the Bible teaches us, Jesus is that Peter is the rock upon which He will build the second person of the Trinity: God the His church. So, what did Jesus mean when Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He referred to building His church upon this Jesus came to live on earth as a man, still rock? Peter – means “rock” (small stone) in fully God, yet also fully human. He did this to Greek. Rock was the foundation or bedrock fulfill God’s promise to send a Savior who upon which He would build His church. Jesus would save us from sin. We have all sinned referred to Peter as the HEAD of the Church and deserve punishments, but because of His and this was a reference to salvation through love for you and for me, He died on the cross Jesus. to save us so that one day we can go to Heaven.
4. LIVE IT [ SINCERITY ] the quality of being open and truthful; not deceitful or hypocritical.
For this week, be nice to your friends and try not to hurt you friends' feelings. Apologize if you make a mistake. If they hurt you, let them know how you feel and forgive them, because we are children of God, and we live to love one another. Do not lie to anyone, be honest and sincere with your friends and family.
5. REMEMBER IT! “But who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15)
6. PRAY IT! Dear Jesus, please help us to be sincere in everything we do and do it whole-heartedly without expecting anything in return. Please fill us with Your spirit and help us to be strong. Teach us to be patient and correct us when we’re wrong. Amen.
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9 The Conditions of Jesus’ Discipleship
WEEK A-22 MATTHEW 16:21-27
Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.” Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay everyone according to his conduct.
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1. Where did Jesus tell His disciples He had to go? [Jesus told His disciples that He had to go to Scribes Experts of the law. Jerusalem.] Something that blocks one’s way Obstacle 2. What did Jesus tell His disciples they must do? or prevents [Jesus told the disciples they must deny progress. themselves.] To lose or give up Forfeit something. 3. What would happen if they gave their lives for Jesus? [If the disciples gave up their lives for Jesus, then they would find eternal life.]
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As Jesus teaches the disciples to deny themselves, to find eternal life, so too, does He want us to do lack of self interest. the same. We “deny” ourselves when we sacrifice The grace of detachment is often certain things in our lives, and focus instead on what we hope for in prayer. We Jesus. A sacrifice, or the act of sacrificing, is surrendered to God the outcome something that is important to us that we give up or of our hopes, fears, and worries, give away. A sacrifice could be giving up an and we trust God enough that no object -- a toy or a piece of clothing -- to someone matter what happens, “God’s else. A sacrifice could be giving up something we grace will be enough.” like to do -- not going to the park, not eating candy. But not just anything can be a sacrifice. It is This week - pay attention to the only a real sacrifice if we give up something we need of your parents and help like. them out with chores at home instead of paying attention to your own needs. Make the small sacrifice of helping them. 5
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Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, All I have and call my own.
You have given all to me. To You, Lord, I return it.
Everything is Yours; do with it what You will. Give me only Your love and Your grace, that is enough for me.
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11 Jesus’ Teaching on Correction of a Brother Who Sins
WEEK A - 23 Matthew 18:15-20
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.”
1. UNDERSTAND IT! 2. EXPLORE IT!
A weakness, failing, or In today’s Gospel, Jesus is speaking to the disciples and is Fault mistake. preparing them to lead the Church. He is teaching them that they must make every effort to help others reconcile with A formal written or Testimony God and the Church. First, they must try to reach out and spoken statement. speak to them directly. If that does not work, then they A person who sees an Witnesses must have others there with them. If that does not work, event take place. then turn to the Church to help them. If that does not work, A person who is not then it is left to God. When Jesus says, “For where two or Gentile Jewish. three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them,” He is telling His disciples that the Holy Spirit will be there where two are more are gathered in His name, 3. CONNECT IT! may it to bring strength or bring judgment.
Jesus teaches us the importance of forgiveness with those who we meet, may it be our brothers and sisters in our family, but also those in our community and our Church. God calls on us to not only help others discover Christ, but to help others who may have lost their way and veered away from God.
12 4. LIVE IT! [ HARMONY ] 5. REMEMBER IT!
Harmony: to be in agreement and at peace with one another.
Living in harmony with the people that we know is important. This week, if someone does something to make you angry, instead of taking it out on others or treating them horribly, find harmony with them by talking to them to explain what they did was hurtful. Make it a point this week to forgive others, while at the same time, recognize when you hurt others, ask for their forgiveness so you can be in harmony with them.
6. PRAY IT!
Lord Jesus, be with our family and community. Grant us Your peace and harmony, an end to conflict and division. Gift us with compassion to better understand each other, wisdom and love to assist each other, and trust and patience to live peacefully together. Amen.
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WEEK A - 24 Matthew 18:21-35
Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. That is why the kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’ Moved with compassion the master of that servant let they were deeply disturbed, and went to their him go and forgave him the loan. When that master and reported the whole affair. His servant had left, he found one of his fellow master summoned him and said to him, ‘You servants who owed him a much smaller wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt amount. He seized him and started to choke because you begged me to. Should you not him, demanding, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged pity on you?’ Then in anger his master handed him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you him over to the torturers until he should pay back.’ But he refused. Instead, he had him put back the whole debt. So will my heavenly in prison until he paid back the debt. Now when Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his fellow servants saw what had happened, his brother from his heart.”
1. UNDERSTAND IT! 2. EXPLORE IT!
In today’s Gospel, Peter asked Jesus Refers to records of money Accounts if he should forgive others seven or property owed times. Jesus replied, “seventy-seven times” to emphasize the importance A person who owes money Debtor of forgiveness always. In the parable, or property Jesus shows us how God, as the Homage To give respect master, is full of compassion and mercy as He forgave the servant. The To feel concern for the master shows his servant how to be Compassion sufferings or misfortunes of forgiving first. Yet because the others servant did not forgive his fellow servant, the master punished him even more.
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3. CONNECT IT!
Jesus is teaching us about forgiveness. To ask for forgiveness for ourselves, we must also forgive others. When we receive forgiveness from God, God takes away our sins and replaces them with love and compassion. When 4. LIVE IT! we forgive someone, we fill our hearts with love [ FORGIVENESS ] and compassion towards that person and therefore, receive God’s forgiveness. That is why it is important that we always forgive Forgiveness – the act of granting pardon others, so that we can make room within (forgive) for an offense; stopping the feeling ourselves to receive God’s love and of anger against someone. compassion.
Are you holding grudges against anyone today? Or are you feeling resentment towards anybody? Forgive them and repair the friendship between you and that person.
We must also ask God for forgiveness when we sin, hurting God as a result. Each day this week, pray the “Our Father.” Slowly and deeply, think about when we ask God to “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” We are asking God to help us forgive so we can receive forgiveness. Pray the Our Father and also seek forgiveness from God through 5. REMEMBER IT! the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you? (Matthew 18:33)
6. PRAY IT!
Dear Jesus, thank you for showing us God’s love and mercy. Please help us to forgive as easily and readily as You are.
Pray the Our Father.
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15 Jesus’ parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
WEEK A - 25 Matthew 20:1-16
Jesus told his disciples this parable: The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. Going out about nine o’clock, the landowner saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’ So they went off. And he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and did likewise. Going out about five o’clock, he found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’
When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.’ When those who had started about five o’clock came, each received the usual daily wage. So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage. And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’ He said to one of them in reply, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’ Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
1. UNDERSTAND IT!
LANDOWNER VINEYARD WAGE FOREMAN
The person A place Money The lead who owned where received for worker the vineyard grapes are doing grown something
16 2. EXPLORE IT! In the Gospel today, Jesus helps His complained because they thought disciples understand the kingdom of they should receive more money than heaven through the Parable of the those who worked less. Jesus teaches Workers in the Vineyard. In this the disciples that for the kingdom of parable, all the workers received the Heaven, regardless of who came first, same amount of pay although some all have the opportunity to receive the of them worked much longer than same reward, that is to be in eternity the others. Those who worked longer with Jesus in Heaven.
3. CONNECT IT!
Jesus teaches us that some people will believe and follow Jesus early in life, while others will believe later in life. It is not the length of time that we have believed in Jesus or the amount of work that we have done for Him. What matters is that we follow what Jesus teaches and we will receive our rewards, and that is to be in Heaven with Jesus.
Being kind, understanding, and not 4. LIVE IT! [ GENEROSITY ] selfish.
Jesus loves us and He always wants to invite us to His kingdom of Heaven and live with Him eternally. As His people, we should follow Him and obey Him by treating people with kindness and generosity.
This week, try to be generous to someone at school or at home by sharing something that you like with them. It can either be sharing lunch with someone you know or giving your brother or sister something nice.
6. PRAY IT! 5. REMEMBER IT! Dear Jesus, we believe that You died for us. Thank you for taking the “Am I not free to do as I wish with my punishment we deserve for sinning. Help us to turn from our sins to own money? Are you envious because follow and obey You all the days of I am generous?” (Matthew 20:15) our lives. Amen.
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17 WEEK A-26 Matthew 21:28-32
Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people: “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.”
1. UNDERSTAND IT!
Tax Collector & A group of people whose career have Prostitutes sinned against God. The quality of being morally right and Righteousness justifiable. 2. EXPLORE IT! Jesus told a story of two sons. One son did what his father asked even though he told his father he was not going to and another son who said ‘yes’ to his father’s request but in the end did not fulfill it. Jesus was comparing what the sons did to how the people, tax collectors and prostitutes, responded when John the Baptist came to them and told them to change their ways and return to the holy path. Although tax collectors and prostitutes are known to not keep God’s Commandments, they listened to John.
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3. CONNECT IT!
God is calling us to respond immediately to God’s guidance and to listen and live accordingly to God’s laws.
Do you recall a moment when you heard your parents asked you to clean your room or do your chores and you said, “I will” or “I will do it later?” Did you do it immediately or did you forget about it? This act is similar to how we, as Catholics, treat how seriously we do work for God. We hear Jesus ask us to do His work, but many of us in our minds say, “I will do that” or “starting tomorrow I will be a better person”. But, how many of us let the voice come in one ear and out the other? How many of us just say they will be better but end up being hypocritical to our words.
4. LIVE IT! [ FLEXIBILITY ] “Yet even when you saw that, you did not Being open to change. later change your minds and
You consider others’ ideas and feelings and do not 5. REMEMBER IT! only insist on your own way. Flexibility allows you to believe him.” (Matthew 21:32) creatively get things done in new ways. You get rid of bad habits and learn new ones.
Practice to not only be a listener, but really hear what others are saying. Listen carefully to Jesus’ 6. PRAY IT! wish for us to do God’s work. Listen to why your Dear Heavenly Father, help parents want you to pay attention to them. us be more open-minded to Your words to us. Help us remember Your teachings and bring us closer to You. Let not our minds forget our promises to Your work. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.
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WEEK A - 27 Matthew 21:33-43
Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people. “Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey. When vintage time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce. But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned. Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones, but they treated them in the same way. Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.’ They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?” They answered him, “He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper times.” Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes’? Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.
1. UNDERSTAND IT!
Vineyard A plantation of grapevines, especially one producing grapes for winemaking.
Wine press A machine in which the juice from grapes is pressed for wine. A person or group that rents and occupies land, a house, an office, etc. for a Tenants period of time. Inheritance Property passing at the owner’s death to the heir or those entitled to succeed.
Wretched Very unfortunate in condition or circumstances, miserable.
Cornerstone The chief foundation on which something is constructed.
20 2. EXPLORE IT! 3. CONNECT IT! In today’s Gospel, Jesus uses a parable to tell the chief priests and the Have you let a friend borrow your notebook or pen and elders about God’s call to mankind to you needed that notebook or pen to do homework? On repent. The landowner is God. The the first day, you ask your him/her for the pen back. Your vineyard is earth. The servants sent by friend says he/she forgot it at home and will bring it the landowner represent the prophets tomorrow. On the second day, you come and ask again, of the Old Testament who came to but he/she still does not have it and say “I left it in my warn God’s chosen people about sin. other backpack. I will bring it to you tomorrow.” On the The son sent by the landowner third day, you patiently wait and ask again. But that represents Jesus who predicts that He person says he/she lost it and has no idea where it is. will be put to death. Therefore, Jesus You must feel angry or mad. In the parable, the uses this parable to warn of the final landowner has to deal with a situation just like this. The day where God will pass down difference though, is that the landowner is God, and God judgment to everyone on earth. did not lend just a pen or a notebook. God gave us everything and expects us in return to follow the laws He has given to us.
In life, many things are expected of us. Our parents expect us to be good children. Our teachers expect us to be good students. Our youth-leaders expect us to be good members. They can only expect that from us because they have given us the opportunity to do so. Like the tenants in the parable, they were given charge over the vineyard, yet they did not produce any fruit for the landowner. Therefore, in justice, the landowner took the land back and banished them because they did not do what was expected of them. What does Jesus expect from us? He expects us to be good Catholics, good children to our parents, good students to our teachers, good members to our youth-leaders.
4. LIVE IT! [ ACCEPTANCE ] 5. REMEMBER IT! The action of consenting to receive or undertake “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” • Accept the things your parents/ (Matthew 21:42) teachers/youth-leaders expect you to do.
• Accept the responsibilities given 6. PRAY IT! to you (chores, taking care of your Lord Jesus, help us this week to accept all our siblings, etc.) responsibilities and to do them all well. Most importantly, teach us to be good Catholics so that one day we will be able to go to Heaven. Amen.
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21 JESUS’ Parable of the Wedding Feast
WEEK A - 28 Matthew 22: 1-14
Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and elders of the people in parables, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. A second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’ Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, 'The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’ The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to meet the guests, he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. The king said to him, 'My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?' But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, 'Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ Many are invited, but few are chosen."
1. UNDERSTAND IT! 2. EXPLORE IT!
In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks the servants and killed them. A simple story out to the chief priests and The king was furious and sent used to illustrate Parable elders in parable about Heaven out his troops to kill the ones a moral or and compares it to a wedding who killed his servants. The spiritual lesson. feast. The king in the parable king sent out his servants again sends out his servants to but this time not to those who Urgently call on Summon summon the invited guests to he has invited but to anyone to be present. come to his son’s wedding who wishes to come. The hall feast, but they refused to come. started to fill up with guests. A formal evening For a second time, the king sent The king saw that there was a Banquet meal for many out his servants to the invited to man that was not dressed for a people. give them a message saying wedding. He told his attendants that he has slain his fattest cow to bind his hands and feet and An item of and that the feast is ready. cast him outside. Garment clothing. Again the invited ignored the message. Some even mistreated
22 3. CONNECT IT!
The Gospel today shows us that Heaven is open to everyone but only the chosen shall be able to enter the Kingdom. We, as Catholics, believe in a paradise after death and that we are welcomed to it if we follow God’s laws. While all can be in heaven, Jesus reminds us that we must be worthy to spend eternal life with God. We can be worthy if we keep God’s Commandments and if we live a holy life through living the Eucharistic Day.
4. LIVE IT! [ CONSIDERATION ]
Giving careful thought to the needs of others, typically over a period of time.
We are blessed with the gift of free will. We can make our own choices in life and we are able to choose to do good. This week, practice your consideration virtue by sharing a compliment with your friends, family, or fellow classmates. Additionally during this week, be considerate to others by giving an extra helping hand at home. What chores does your mom or dad do that you can help with this week?
“Many are invited, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14)
Heavenly Father, please watch over us as we continue to follow Your teachings. Let us be considerate to others and follow Your example to love one another. Amen.
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23 Jesus Teaches Us WEEK A-29 Matthew 22:15-21 Giving God What Belongs to God
The Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech. They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. And you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion, for you do not regard a person’s status. Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?” Knowing their malice, Jesus said, “Why are you testing me, you hypocrites? Show me the coin that pays the census tax.” Then they handed him the Roman coin. He said to them, “Whose image is this and whose inscription?” They replied, “Caesar’s.” At that he said to them, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”
1. UNDERSTAND IT! 2. EXPLORE IT!
Jesus and the religious leaders in Plotted Secretly make plans to carry out. Jerusalem continue their tense exchange of questions and challenges. At To trick or deceive especially by Entrap this point, the Pharisees’ disciples getting someone to commit a crime. together with the Herodians, try to People who supported King Herod entrap Jesus by their questions about Herodians during the time of Jesus. the payment of taxes. If Jesus answers the Pharisees, He shows Himself to be An official count or survey of Census an enemy of Rome. If He answers the population. Herodians, He offends popular Jewish Intention or desire to do evil or ill Malice religious beliefs. will. Claiming to have moral standards but Hypocrites behavior does not match. Something that is written or carved Inscription into.
24 3. CONNECT IT! 4. LIVE IT! [ ]
Jesus’ response to this attempt to trap Him exposes Integrity – to be honest and have strong moral the deceitfulness of His questioners. From His first principles. words to them, Jesus shows that He knows what they are trying to do. He asks to see a Roman coin, which is Often, an easy way to test integrity is the readily provided to Him. He asks His questioners to ability to do the right thing without anyone examine the coin. Agreeing that it is Caesar’s image else present. To have integrity is to be honest, on the coin, Jesus tells them that it must belong to but it is even more than that. It is doing what Caesar. Avoiding the question of lawfulness altogether, is right for the right reasons, not for the Jesus answers their question with simple logic. Then, attention or the reward. going further still, Jesus tells them that their obligation is to pay to God that which belongs to God. Each day this week, go out of your way to do something good and/or positive for another Jesus’ response to the Herodians and Pharisees person or your community. This could mean suggests the ethics that Christians ought to adopt. It when you hear a rumor, you try to stop it and reminds us of the importance of keeping things in their do not repeat it. Or when you see someone proper perspective. Do we attach ourselves to worldly stealing, you do the right thing. Or when you things at the expense of the love and honor that we see someone drops a $20 bill, you return it to owe to God? the owner.
5. REMEMBER IT!
“Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” (Matthew 22:21)
6. PRAY IT!
Lord, harden our spirits and hearts as we continue Your work amid criticism and skeptics. Allow our integrities so Your words speak for itself and be an inspiration for others to follow, suit in their display of love and faith for all. Amen.
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25 WEEK A-30 Matthew 22:34-40
When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a scholar of the law tested him by asking, "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" He said to him, "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments."
1. UNDERSTAND IT!
A religious group that believes that the 2. EXPLORE IT! written law is most Pharisees important. They are The Pharisees and Sadducees believed similar to the everyone should live under strict written laws Sadducees. and were always testing Jesus. The Pharisees found out that the Sadducees were unable A religious group of the to trick Jesus so they attempted to test Him. upper class that They asked Him which commandment in the Sadducees believes that the law is the greatest so Jesus may give them a written law is most wrong answer. However, Jesus gave them a important. perfect answer in that everyone must first love God and then each other.
People who are well Scholars educated.
A command or rules Commandment given to us by God.
26 3. CONNECT IT!
4. LIVE IT
Reverence means honor or respect that is either shown to someone or being given by someone. Loving someone includes honoring or respecting them. Start by speaking politely and being a In today’s Gospel, Jesus wants us to know good listener to everyone around you. that obeying the law is important, but the Thank people for their help and their most important commandment a Christian support on a regular basis. It is important needs to remember is to love God, and then to remember all the people who helped each other as we would love ourselves. This you. means that we need to treat our family, our friends, and our neighbors with the same love that we give ourselves and to God.
5. REMEMBER IT!
You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. (Matthew 22:37) 6. PRAY IT!
Loving Father, we thank you for the wonderful gift of love. Please help us to love You with all our hearts, our souls, and our strengths. And also help us to love our neighbors as us, ourselves. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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27 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”
Jesus tells a large group of His followers some different ways to become happy, which came to be known as the Eight Beatitudes. Each of the lines begins with, “Blessed are…” then describes Being happy and fortunate by someone and the gift they will receive. Blessed receiving gifts from God. But surprisingly, Jesus does not say that the blessed or happy are those that are Meek Humble, gentle, and kind. rich, famous, powerful, or even those who are talented and successful. Instead Jesus says that those that are Righteousness Doing things the right way. truly happy are those who mourn, the merciful, the clean of heart, and the Being treated badly because of Persecuted peacemakers. Overall, Jesus describes what you believe in. a person who will enter heaven as someone who is humble, kind, and always doing the right thing.
28 The word “beatitude” comes from the meaning of being blessed and happy.
• What are some things that you wish for that might make you happy? Jesus tells us that being happy is more about being a good person than having a lot of fancy things. • What are some things that make you sad? Jesus also tell us that it’s ok to mourn, to hunger, to be insulted or persecuted. These hard things will help make us stronger and closer to God, where we can find true happiness.
Happiness – being delighted, pleased, or glad.
Each night this week, think about one thing during the day that made you happy, and one thing that made you sad. Write it down in this book or in a journal. Then, think about how each of those moments was a blessing from God.
Dear Jesus, please help me to follow the Beatitudes and to live my life as a good person. Please give me the strength to carry on when things are tough, and to remember to thank you when I am blessed. Amen.
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29 WEEK A-32 JESUS’ Parable Matthew 25:1-13 of the Ten Virgins
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five WEEK C - 29 were wise. The foolish ones, whenLUKE taking 18:1 - their8 lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Foolish Lacking good sense or judgment
Wise Having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment Virgins A person who is naive, innocent, or inexperienced, especially in a particular context; a person who is celibate/chaste
Bridegroom A man on his wedding day or just before and after the
1. UNDERSTAND IT! event. 2. EXPLORE IT!
In Jesus' time, the bridegroom traveled from his home to the home of the bride to meet the bride and bring her back to his home. The virgins in this parable were family members and friends of the bride, whose job it was to greet the bridegroom and escort him to the bride. Thus the virgins represent the Church, for in the Church there is a mix of good and bad people. The wise virgins had oil for their lamps and were ready to escort the bridegroom. The foolish virgins were not ready and did not have enough oil to greet the bridegroom. Jesus, in the Parable, teaches the disciples that they must remain vigilant so that they will not be caught unprepared.
30 3. CONNECT IT!
There is much preparation needed for a In this week's Gospel, Jesus talks about surprise party. What would happen if the what it means to be prepared to enter guest of honor arrived before we were the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus wants His ready? disciples to understand that the exact day and time cannot be predicted. Let’s Likewise, in today’s Gospel. Jesus talks imagine that we are planning a surprise about the importance of being prepared party for a friend. How would we go for the Kingdom of Heaven, by doing what about preparing for this party? We we can now. To prepare for the Kingdom would have to prepare an invitation list, of Heaven, we must live according to set the date, reserve a place for the God’s law by following the 10 party, plan the food, choose the Commandments, by being holy, and by decorations, plan activities, and so on. being faithful as the children of God.
4. LIVE IT! [ PRUDENCE ]
Prudence – acting with or showing care and thought for the future.
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us the importance of being prepared to receive the Kingdom of Heaven. This week, plan ahead and be careful in all our acts and decisions in providing for our future in Heaven. In praying, learning what God wants us to do, obeying the commandments, and listening to Him. Let us practice prudence and prepare ourselves to receive the Kingdom of Heaven.
6. PRAY IT! 5. REMEMBER IT!
“Therefore, stay awake, for Dear Jesus, one day we are going to meet you know neither the day You face to face. We pray that we will all be nor the hour.” ready. Amen. (Matthew 25:13)
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31 JESUS’ PARABLE OF THE TALENTS
WEEK A-33 Matthew 25:14-30
servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’ [Then] the one who had received two talents also came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. See, I have made two more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’ Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a Jesus told his disciples this parable: demanding person, harvesting where “A man going on a journey called in his you did not plant and gathering where servants and entrusted his possessions you did not scatter; so out of fear I to them. To one he gave five talents; to went off and buried your talent in the another, two; to a third, one—to each ground. Here it is back.’ His master said according to his ability. Then he went to him in reply, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! away. Immediately the one who So you knew that I harvest where I did received five talents went and traded not plant and gather where I did not with them, and made another five. scatter? Should you not then have put Likewise, the one who received two my money in the bank so that I could made another two. But the man who have got it back with interest on my received one went off and dug a hole in return? Now then! Take the talent from the ground and buried his master’s him and give it to the one with ten. For money. After a long time the master of to everyone who has, more will be given those servants came back and settled and he will grow rich; but from the one accounts with them. The one who had who has not, even what he has will be received five talents came forward taken away. And throw this useless bringing the additional five. He said, servant into the darkness outside, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I where there will be wailing and grinding have made five more.’ His master said of teeth.’ to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful
1. UNDERSTAND IT!
Assign responsibility for Entrusted To throw in various doing something. Scatter random directions. A unit of currency, coin, Talents money. Money paid regularly To gather something, Interest for money that is Harvesting usually vegetables or fruits. lent out.
32 2. EXPLORE IT!
Before he leaves on a journey, the master entrusts to his servants a different number of talents, giving to each according to their abilities. A talent is a coin of great value. Upon the master’s return, he finds that the first and second servants have doubled their money, and both are rewarded. The third servant, however, has only preserved what was given to him because he was afraid to lose the money. He has risked nothing; he did not even deposit the money in a bank to earn interest. This servant is punished by the master, and his talent is given to the one who brought the greatest return.
3. CONNECT IT!
Think about the parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids, this parable teaches us that God’s judgment will be based on the service we render to God and to one another in accordance with 4. LIVE IT! [ RELIABILITY ] the gifts that God has given to us. Our gifts, or talents, are given to us for the service of others. If we fail to use Reliability – to be trustworthy or these gifts, God’s judgment on us will be performing consistently well. severe. On the other hand, if we make use of these gifts in service to the We sometimes fail to recognize the Kingdom of Heaven, we will be people or things we rely on a regular rewarded and entrusted with even basis. Each night, think about more responsibilities. something or someone who is reliable. Then, write down what would happen This Gospel reminds us that spirituality if that something or someone was is not passive or inactive. We must not there anymore. At the end of the nourish and give our spirituality week, share your answers and see if attention, or else we risk losing it. Our others also believe your choices are life of prayer helps us to discern the reliable in their lives as well! gifts that God gave us. This prayer and discernment ought to lead us to use our gifts in the service of God and our 5. REMEMBER IT! neighbors. God’s grace allows us to share in the work of serving the Kingdom of Heaven. “Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.” (Matthew 25: 20) 6. PRAY IT!
Lord, fill us with courage and spirit so we may do the impossible, to reliably do Your work through the blessings You have given us. Let our acts be a testament to the naysayers and a reassuring light for those who continue to believe in miracles. Amen.
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33 ’
WEEK A - 34 Matthew 25:31-46
Jesus said to his disciples: welcome you, or naked and “When the Son of Man clothe you? When did we see comes in his glory, and all you ill or in prison, and visit the angels with him, he will you?’ And the king will say to sit upon his glorious throne, them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to and all the nations will be you, whatever you did for one assembled before him. And of these least brothers of he will separate them one mine, you did for me.’ Then from another, as a shepherd he will say to those on his separates the sheep from the left, ‘Depart from me, you goats. He will place the accursed, into the eternal sheep on his right and the fire prepared for the devil and goats on his left. Then the his angels. For I was hungry king will say to those on his and you gave me no food, I right, ‘Come, you who are was thirsty and you gave me blessed by my Father. no drink, a stranger and you 1. UNDERSTAND IT! Inherit the kingdom prepared gave me no welcome, naked for you from the foundation and you gave me no clothing, of the world. For I was ill and in prison, and you did Gather together in hungry and you gave me not care for me.’ Then they Assemble one place for a food, I was thirsty and you will answer and say, ‘Lord, common purpose. gave me drink, a stranger when did we see you hungry Receive or be left and you welcomed me, or thirsty or a stranger or Inherit with from a former naked and you clothed me, naked or ill or in prison, and owner. ill and you cared for me, in not minister to your needs?’ prison and you visited me.’ He will answer them, ‘Amen, The lowest part, the Then the righteous will I say to you, what you did not Foundation basic idea of answer him and say, ‘Lord, do for one of these least something. when did we see you hungry ones, you did not do for me.’ and feed you, or thirsty and And these will go off to Used to express strong dislike or give you drink? When did eternal punishment, but the Accursed we see you a stranger and righteous to eternal life.” anger toward something.
2. EXPLORE IT!
In today’s Gospel, Jesus describes to His disciples the scene of the judgment of the Son of Man. It is about the end of time, the coming of the Son of Man, and the final judgment of all who live on earth. God will look upon people of all nations, and He will separate them as a shepherd separates sheep and goats upon their return from the pasture. The Son of Man will judge all people on how they treated others and whether they carried out acts of mercy to the least fortunate among them—the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the ill, and the imprisoned. Indeed, Jesus, who suffered on the Cross, identifies Himself with the least ones.
34 3. CONNECT IT!
Recall the parable of the talents, which taught us that the gifts God gave us are so that we can be of service to others, especially the least among us. God will judge us not only on how we have used these gifts and talents, but also on how we have extended ourselves in service to those most unfortunate in our communities. Indeed, Jesus tells us that whenever we have served the least fortunate, we have served Christ himself.
4. LIVE IT! [ COMPASSION ] to have sympathy, pity, or concern for the suffering or misfortune of others.
Each day, find a way for you to be more compassionate when your friends or others are in need. At the end of each day, keep a record of what you did and how you felt, and be ready to share to the class about the needs of the people you encounter!
5. REMEMBER IT!
“ 6. PRAY IT!
Lord, allow our hearts to feel compassion for all who are in ” need around us. Let our eyes see Your good works through others so we may spread our love and faith to those who need it most. Amen.
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35 WEEK B-A1 MARK 13:33-37
Jesus said to his disciples: Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. It is like a man traveling abroad. He leaves home and places his servants in charge, each with his work, and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch. Watch, therefore; you do not know when the lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning. May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’
1. UNDERSTAND IT!
2. EXPLORE IT!
A person at a gate This Sunday’s Gospel talks about always who is there to being ready for God. Jesus used the Gatekeeper control who goes example of the homeowner leaving his through it. servants in charge of the house and taking care of his home, just like how God left us in charge of Earth, but in this case, He wants us to take care of each other as well. He also said that the servants need to always be ready for when the owner returns because they The sound of a will never know when that may be, like Cockcrow cockcrow signifies how we should always prepare dawn has come. ourselves to receive God or meet God because we do not know when that will happen.
36 3. CONNECT IT!
Jesus talked about always being ready in that we should always keep ourselves pure and clean so that we are ready to meet God because we will never know when that time will come. He knows that each one of us is weak and will commit sins against God or each other. What He wants us to do to be ready is to clean ourselves by going to confession and not commit those sins any more. For example, being disrespectful to your parents, lying to others, or being mean to people are sins. Being ready for God in our lives mean to confess those sins and not commit them again because we do not know when we will meet God, just like how the servants in the Gospel passage do not know when the master of the house will return.
4. LIVE IT! [ PREPAREDNESS ] 5. REMEMBER IT! To be ready
“Be watchful! Be alert! You do Always be prepared to meet God by keeping yourself free of sins. This week, not know when the time will seek the Sacrament of Reconciliation come.” and commit to not sin anymore. (Mark 13:33)
6. PRAY IT! Dear God, please help us be prepared to receive You by allowing us to be strong to resist sins, and humble to admit and confess sins when we are weak. Amen.
37 W e e k B - A2 M a rk 1: 1 - 8
Jesus is the Good News
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’” John [the] Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey. And this is what he proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the things of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
1. UNDERSTAND IT!
Proclaim To announce or declare officially or publicly something important. A holy sacrament; the initiation of purification by water in which the Baptism Church welcomes its members.
Repentance The act of sincere regret or remorse for sin.
Inhabitants People who occupies a specific area.
Acknowledge To accept or admit that something exists or is true.
38 2. EXPLORE IT! 3. CONNECT IT! In today’s Gospel, the story of the messenger who came before Jesus was The Gospel today tells us that we must portrayed. God chose John the Baptist prepare ourselves for Jesus’ arrival. As to be the messenger who proclaimed Catholics, we believe that God is our the coming of Jesus and to prepare salvation and that Jesus is the Good people for Jesus’s arrival. John the News, that He is coming to die for us, and Baptist proclaims and prepares people to save us from our sins. God is our source for the coming of Jesus through Baptism of hope. God reminds us that if we live a of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. life of repentance and hope, one day we The Gospel tells us to live a simple life like will be with Him in Heaven. John the Baptist and to hope for Jesus’ arrival because when He arrives, we will be cleansed with the Holy Spirit.
4. LIVE IT! [ HOPE ]
Hope – a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.
God gave us the ability to choose how to live our lives. Be thankful and for this week, 5. REMEMBER IT! pray and hope to become a better person and to become more holy. Pray to “One mightier than I is coming God to allow us to be the hope that can after me. I am not worthy to reach everyone who is in need. stoop and loosen the things of his sandals.” (Mark 1:7) “In God we hope. So our hearts can be joyful, our desires and dreams can be fulfilled, and out days be brighter.” 6. PRAY IT!
Heavenly Father, please help us prepare ourselves for the coming of Your only beloved Son. Fill us with hope and allow us to spread hope to everyone around us. We hope and pray that through repentance, we will be able to look forward to eternal life with You in heaven. Amen.
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39 MAKE STRAIGHT THE WAY FOR JESUS’ COMING
Week B-A3 John 1:6-8, 19-28
A man named John was sent from “I baptize with water; but there is one among God. He came for testimony, to testify you whom you do not recognize, the one who is to the light, so that all might believe coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not through him. He was not the light, but worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany came to testify to the light. And this is across the Jordan, where John was baptizing. the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites [to him] to ask him, “Who are you?” he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Messiah.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am ‘the voice of one crying out in the desert, “Make straight the way of the Lord,”’ as Isaiah the prophet said.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet?” John answered them,
1. UNDERSTAND IT!
Testimony A formal written or spoken statement. Testify To give evidence. Levites Members of the tribe of Levi who assisted the priests in the temple. Messiah The promised savior of the Jews. Prophet An inspired teacher or the proclaimer of the will of God. Pharisees Members of Jews who followed the laws of Judaism strictly.
40 2. EXPLORE IT! 3. CONNECT IT!
In today’s Gospel, the priests and Levites come Just as John recognized his main role of to John the Baptist to ask him who he is. John proclaiming the coming of Jesus, we had been baptizing in the Jordan River and need to understand our roles as well. As therefore had made a name for himself. The children, we must be obedient and priests and Levites recognized John as a holy respectful to our parents. As Thiếu Nhi, we man such that they were willing to ask if he is have to be good students to our Huynh the Messiah or the Christ. John, however, Trưởng. As Catholics, we must love God knows his role. He is the last prophet to and follow Him. Jesus wants us to fulfil our proclaim the coming of Jesus, the Christ, the roles in life to the best of our ability! Messiah. John makes it clear to the priests and Levites that he is not the Christ, but that the Christ is coming and will be much holier since 4. LIVE IT! [ DETERMINATION ] John is not even worthy to undo His sandals. John also makes clear that his baptism is Determination - being firm in purpose. merely a ritual, a washing of the body. Jesus will baptize and wash the soul. Set goals and change your life for the better. Start with “I want to be a better Catholic.” List out things you can do 5. REMEMBER IT! each day to reach this goal and take action. Now list out two more goals for Make straight the way of the Lord! this week by starting with, “I want to...”. (John 1:23) List a few simple things you can do every day to reach your goal, then take action.
Goal 1: 6. PRAY IT! Lord Jesus, help us to be good children, good ______TNTT, and good Catholics. Help us to live out these roles with great determination so we can ______reach Heaven. Amen. Goal 2:
______
______
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41 Week B-A4 Luke 1:26-38
The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
1. UNDERSTAND IT!
Betrothed The person to who one is engaged or to be married to. Pondered To think about something carefully. Conceive To become pregnant with a child. Overshadow To tower above, appear much more prominent or important than. Barren Too poor to produce much or of anything.
42 2. EXPLORE IT! 3. CONNECT IT!
We read the Gospel on the angel Gabriel’s Both Joseph and Mary serve as important announcement to Mary about the birth of figures for our reflection during the Jesus. The angel Gabriel visited Mary, a season of Advent; they played important virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph. roles in preparing the way for Jesus. We Mary greeted the angel’s news with awe reflect upon Mary’s example of faith and and wonder and asked how it could be obedience to God, traits which possible that she could give birth to a child. permitted her to receive the angel’s In his reply, the angel Gabriel announced message that God’s Son would be born the seemingly impossible reality: the child to as a human person, as one of us. be born would be conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and would be God’s own The story of the Annunciation calls to our Son. The angel reported to Mary another attention God’s wondrous action in miracle; her relative Elizabeth was also human history. God chose a human pregnant despite having been thought to person to give birth to His Son so that all be unable to have a child. Mary’s response humanity would know God’s salvation. to the angel, which is called her fiat, is an Mary, already full of God’s grace, example of complete faith and obedience cooperated in this great plan for our to God. salvation. Thus, Jesus was born as one of us, fully human and also fully divine. This is the mystery we prepare to celebrate at 4. LIVE IT! [ OBEDIENCE ] Christmas, the mystery of the Incarnation. In the model of Mary, we pray that we will be people of faith who recognize Obedience – to comply or follow with an God’s saving plan for us and are able order, law, or authority. respond with obedience.
There are many people we obey in our lives for a variety of reasons! Sometimes we know the reasons, sometimes we do not. Each day, write about one person whom 5. REMEMBER IT! you4. obey, Remember and try to describe it! why. At the end of the week, share with the class and “Behold, I am the handmaid of see if you can find out in better detail the the Lord. May it be done to me importance of having obedience! according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) 6. PRAY IT! Lord, may we have Mary’s strength to obey Your wishes without the need to completely understand all that is Your will, for we know whatever it is You ask of us, we know it will bring about change through love. Amen.
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43 WEEK B-C1 Holy Family
LUKE 2:22-40 When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted —and you yourself a sword will pierce— so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
1. UNDERSTAND IT!
Law of along with the 10 commandments, a set of rules and traditions written Moses by Moses and followed by the Jewish Consecrated to be devoted or dedicated to Devout having a strong faith; very pious or religious Destined predetermined to do something in the future
44 2. EXPLORE IT!
Following Jewish law and tradition, Joseph and Mary brought the baby Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem. Two special people, Simeon and Anna, were also at the temple that day. They were both very devout and faithful to God. The Holy Spirit had already revealed to Simeon that he would meet the Christ before his death. So when the Holy Spirit urged Simeon to go to the temple that day, he recognized Jesus as the Christ as he held the baby in his arms. Anna was a very old prophetess that never left the temple, and also came to recognize Jesus and spoke about Him as the Savior to all those around.
3. CONNECT IT!
Simeon and Anna were two different people who lived their lives full of faith. They waited their entire lives until they were 4. LIVE IT! [FAITHFUL] finally rewarded with a very special gift in meeting Jesus in the temple. How strong is your Faithful: Keeping strong in one’s beliefs and faith in Jesus? Would you keep devotion. your faith even if you were never to receive a reward? Sometimes Simeon and Anna were very faithful for their the gifts that Jesus has in store entire lives. This week, practice the virtue of for us are not right away, but being faithful by remembering to pray each night. waiting for us later if we remain You can say a prayer by yourself or with your faithful and patient. Can you live family! your life like Simeon or Anna?
5. REMEMBER IT!
6. PRAY IT!
Dear Father, just as You are faithful to keep Your promises, help us to be faithful in keeping our promises. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
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45 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.
Magi The “wise men” from the east who looked for signs in the stars.
Homage To pay respect to a lord or king.
Ascertain To learn and determine with certainty.
Preceding To come in front of or before.
Prostrated To lay face down on the ground in adoration.
46 It was prophesized that the Christ, also known as the Messiah or the King of the Jews, would one day come to lead Israel. Among the people waiting for his arrival were the magi, who studied the stars. When they saw signs that Jesus was born, they made the long journey to Bethlehem to honor the newborn king. King Herod felt threatened when he heard that another “king” was born and tried to learn more. The magi followed a star until they found the baby Jesus and his mother Mary. They presented him with expensive gifts fit for a king: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
The magi went through a lot in order The magi shared their gifts of gold, to honor Jesus. They waited patiently frankincense, and myrrh with Jesus. for years looking for His signs, never This week, choose something of value that giving up hope. Then instead of just you can share with others and write about it worshipping from afar, they chose to here. It could be a toy that you can share have faith and took the long, tiring, with a sibling or friend, something special for and dangerous journey all the way your parents, or sharing your time or talents from the east. And when they with others . arrived, they did not come empty handed. They brought valuable and magnificent gifts fit for a king. What are you willing to do to know Jesus better? What gift can you bring for Him? “And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah.” (Matthew 2:6)
Oh God, I offer to You all that I am and all that I have. Please help me to be generous and to share my blessings with world. Keep my faith strong and help me to continue believing in You. Amen.
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47 Acknowledgements
Noteworthy are the contributions of Tiberia IX training camp participants who prepared the lessons within this booklet. Their work along with other Youth-Leaders provided the content, which made it possible to move this booklet to completion. Special recognition is extended to the dedicated core members of various committees and teams who work tirelessly to ensure this booklet receives the highest possible level of quality. Team Leads are designated with the asterisk symbol. • Seedling Team: Khanh Nguyen*, Tu-Anh Nguyen, Ngoc-Hieu Ngo, Lam Vu, Mandy Pham • Search Team: John Vu*, Teresa Tran, Montana Pham, Vy Tran, Jimmy Lam-My, David Vu, Christina Tran • Companion Team: Kieu-Thu Nguyen*, Anton Nguyen, Le Doan, Mimi Phan, • Knights of Eucharist Team: Khanh-Trang Vu*, Phuong Nguyen, Br. Vincent Nguyen, Tami Nguyen • Layout Team: Nhung Nguyen*, Tami Nguyen, Christine Chau Le • Cover Art Designer: Quynh Truong • Cover Designer: Johnny Pham
References
1. Bible Studies, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church http://www.scborromeo.org/biblestudies.htm 2. Daily Reflection Archives, Creighton University http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Archive/ 3. Daily Reading, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/ 4. MagnifiKid!, Magnificat Online http://us.magnificat.net/home/magnifikid 5. Lectio Divina, Order of Carmelites http://ocarm.org/en/lectio-divina
Publisher Distributor Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement (VEYM) VEYM Headquarters Office National Academic Committee 1811 E Center St, Anaheim, CA 92805 [email protected] (714) 603-7586 - [email protected]
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