Lessons in English
Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Focus:
Jesus teaches his followers that the kingdom of heaven is a priceless treasure.
Materials Needed:
- Bible
- Candle
- Paper and pens or pencils
Create a special table or sacred space in your home you can where you focus during prayer and your in-home Sunday celebration. Here is a video on how to do so: https://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2020/04/pop-up-catechesis-creating-a-prayer-space-in-your-home/
Light a candle. Call your family to prayer.
Opening Activity:
Begin by having each family member make a list of the ten things that they value the most. Older family members may need to assist younger family members. Have each person read their list out loud.
Discuss:
- If I asked you to give up something on the list without getting anything in return, what would you be willing to give up?
- What would you be willing to give up to go on a special trip? (Choose a location your family members have always wanted to go.) Or a million dollars? Would you give up everything on your list?
- What if Jesus asked you to give up everything on your list for him? What would you do? Why? (Place your lists on your family prayer table)
In today’s Gospel, Jesus will be telling us about a very special treasure. Listen carefully to what he asks of his followers to get that treasure.
Music:
Choose one of the music suggestions below. Sing together as a family.
Make the Sign of the Cross.
Sunday Gospel: Matthew 13:44-52 (shorter form: Matthew 13:44-46)
Together read the Sunday Gospel. http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072620.cfm
Feel free to use your family bible or children’s bible. Be creative. Read it in parts. Act out the story.
Discussion:
- What did Jesus compare the kingdom of heaven to? (treasure, pearl of great price)
- Would you sell all you have to get these things?
- Would you sell all you have to be with Jesus?
- Jesus is teaching us about sacrifice. We have to be willing to give up everything to be with him. Are there things that get you need to sacrifice to make Jesus and the kingdom of heaven the most important thing in your life?
Apostles Creed:
Together pray:
I believe in God the Father almighty Creator of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.
Music:
Choose another song to sing together.
Universal Prayers
As a family, offer prayers for our Church, our world, your local communities, and your families.
The Lord’s Prayer
Together pray the words that our Savior gave us:
Our Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy Will be done,
on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Conclude with the Sign of the Cross.
Music:
Choose another song to sing together.
Family Activity Suggestions:
- Create a treasure hunt for your family to do.
- Get creative! Get out your art supplies or create something using a computer app. Create your own picture captioned: “The kingdom of heaven is like_____________. When I find it, I will sell all I have and buy it.”
- Clean out the closets. Have each family member find items that they may not use or need anymore. Or make a big sacrifice for another and give up something important that may keep you from being close to Jesus. Take these items to a local homeless shelter or women’s shelter.
Music Suggestions:
Gathering: One Heart
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNrJIRmDLi0
Psalm Response: Psalm 119: Lord, I Love Your Commands
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyBsBEQsqIU
Presentation of the Gifts: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ionKh1dL9o0
Communion: Be Not Afraid
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BltudBGj8dg
Hymn of Praise: Go Make a Difference
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNDDDFVnEy4
Other Web Resources:
Loyola Press:
The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) (official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales and part of Caritas International):
https://cafod.org.uk/Education/Children-s-liturgy
Catholic Mom:
https://www.catholicmom.com/sunday-mass-activities
USCCB:
https://catholicdotbible.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/ot-17.pdf
Strong Catholic Faith:
http://www.catholicfamilyfaith.org/breaking-open-the-word—junejuly—cycle-a.html
Pop-Up Catechesis:
https://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/tag/pop-up-catechesis/
