Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

The rich and the poor

Reading I: Amos 6:1a, 4–7 (third woe)
Reading II: 1 Timothy 6:11–16 (the good fight of faith)
Gospel: Luke 16:19–31 (the rich man and Lazarus)

Key Passage: There was a rich man and at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table. (Luke 16:19–21)

Adult: What are the “rewards” of caring for the needs of the poor?
Child: What is one thing you and your family could do this week to help those who are poor or sick?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

The courage to forgive

Reading I: Exodus 32:7–11, 13–14 (the golden calf)
Reading II: 1 Timothy 1:12–17 (Paul’s gratitude)
Gospel: Luke 15:1–32 (the prodigal son)

Key Passage: The servant replied, “Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.” Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. (Luke 15:27–28)

Adult: When have you persistently sought after a member of your family who has lost his or her way?
Child: Have you ever felt you were not getting credit for your good works? What did you do?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Discerning God’s will

Reading I: Wisdom 9:13–18a (Solomon’s prayer)
Reading II: Philemon 9b–10, 12–17 (plea for Onesimus)
Gospel: Luke 14:25–33 (sayings on discipleship)

Key Passage: For who can learn the counsel of God? Or who can discern what the Lord wills? For the reasoning of mortals is worthless, and our designs are likely to fail. (Wisdom 9:13–14)

Adult: How do you try to discover what God is asking of you?
Child: When is it hard for you to know the right thing to do? Who helps you know?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Seeking humility

Reading I: Sirach 3:17–18, 20, 28–29 (humility)
Reading II: Hebrews 12:18–19, 22–24a (God the judge; Jesus the mediator)
Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7–14 (a lesson in humility)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14:13–14)

Adult: Has the hunger for status and influence in the world around you endangered your life as a Christian?
Child: Does it make you a better person to be chosen first for a team or some other honor? Why or why not?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

The narrow door

Reading I: Isaiah 66:18–21 (gathering of the nations)
Reading II: Hebrews 12:5–7, 11–13 (the discipline of God)
Gospel: Luke 13:22–30 (the narrow door)

Key Passage: Jesus answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.” (Luke 13:24)

Adult: What daily choices are you making that will allow you to be recognized at the doorway of the reign of God?
Child: What good habits are you practicing in order to be a good Christian?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

An unsettling truth

Reading I: Jeremiah 38:4–6, 8–10 (Jeremiah in the miry cistern)
Reading II: Hebrews 12:1–4 (God’s treatment of his sons and daughters)
Gospel: Luke 12:49–53 (Jesus’ mission of division)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!” (Luke 12:51)

Adult: When has your taking a strong stand on a moral issue created division rather than healing in the short term?
Child: Is it important to do the right thing even if others are angry as a result? Why or why not?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Daily prayer

Reading I: Genesis 18:20–32 (Abraham intercedes for Sodom)
Reading II: Colossians 2:12–14 (sovereign role of Christ)
Gospel: Luke 11:1–13 (the Our Father)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.” (Luke 11:9)

Adult: Have your most recent prayers been prayers of praise, petition, or sorrow? Which kind of prayer do you need to practice more often?
Child: What are you most thankful for right now?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Holy Visitors

Reading: I: Genesis 18:1–10a (Abraham’s visitors)
Reading: II: Colossians 1:24–28 (the mystery: Christ in us)
Gospel: Luke 10:38–42 (Martha and Mary)

Key Passage: Jesus said to Martha, “There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42)

Adult: Which response to God’s call is more natural to you—prayer or action? Why?
Child: In the past week, when have you prayed and when have you done good things for others? Which could you do better?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Acting with mercy

Reading I: Deuteronomy 30:10–14 (God’s command clear)
Reading II: Colossians 1:15–20 (Christ’s fullness and reconciliation)
Gospel: Luke 10:25–37 (the good Samaritan)

Key Passage: But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. (Luke 10:33–34)

Adult: When have you gone out of your way to help a stranger in need?
Child: Would you help a new student who needed help? Why or why not?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Accepting the Christian message

Reading I: Isaiah 66:10–14 (mother Zion)
Reading II: Galatians 6:14–18 (the cross, our true boast)
Gospel: Luke 10:1–12, 17–20 (mission of the seventy–two)

Key Passage: Jesus said to the disciples, “Whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.’” (Luke 10:10–11)

Adult: Where do you see the message of Christian faith being rejected in the world today? What is your response to that?
Child: What can you do when you are generous with others, and they do not want what you give them?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Don’t look back

Reading I: 1 Kings 19:16b, 19–21 (call of Elisha)
Reading II: Galatians 5:1, 13–18 (proper use of freedom)
Gospel: Luke 9:51–62 (the apostles’ requirements)

Key Passage: Another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:61–62)

Adult: When have you faltered or looked back during your journey of faith?
Child: What can you do to be a stronger follower of Jesus this week?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Calming life’s storms

Reading I: Zechariah 12:10–11 (messianic Jerusalem)
Reading II: Galatians 3:26–29 (one in Christ Jesus)
Gospel: Luke 9:18–24 (followers of Jesus)

Key Passage: Then Jesus said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

Adult: Which crosses in your life do you find especially heavy? What or who helps you bear them?
Child: When you have something hard to do, what or who helps you get through it?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

The courage to forgive

Reading I: 2 Samuel 12:7–10, 13 (David’s punishment and repentance)
Reading II: Galatians 2:16, 19–21 (Paul’s basic teaching)
Gospel: Luke 7:36—8:3 (the penitent woman)

Key Passage: Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” But those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” (Luke 7:48–49)

Adult: Whom does your Christian faith call you to forgive right now? How hard will this be for you?
Child: When is it hard for you to forgive someone who has hurt you? What can help you forgive?
(From: PastoralPlanning.com)

Tenth Sunday in Ordinary, Year C

Time Moved with pity

Reading I: 1 Kings 17:17–24 (Elijah and the widow)
Reading II: Galatians 1:11–19 (Paul called by Christ)
Gospel: Luke 7:11–17 (the widow’s son)

Key Passage: As Jesus approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” (Luke 7:12–13)

Adult: What might a greater sense of compassion allow you to do for someone this week?
Child: When did you try to understand what another person was feeling?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Pentecost, Year C

Gifts for service

Reading I: Acts 2:1–11 (descent of the Holy Spirit)
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 12:3–7, 12–13 (many gifts, one Spirit, and the analogy of the body)
Gospel: John 20:19–23 (appearance to the disciples)

Key Passage: Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord. (1 Corinthians 12:4–5)

Adult: What gift of service have you received from the Holy Spirit and how well are you using it right now?
Child: What gift do you hope to receive from the Holy Spirit? How could you use it to serve others?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

The Ascension of the Lord, Year C

Reading I: Acts 1:1–11 (Jesus’ final instructions and ascension)
Reading II: Ephesians 1:17–23 (a Spirit of wisdom)
Gospel: Luke 24:46–53 (the ascension)

Key Passage: Ephesians 1:17 (a Spirit of wisdom)

Adult: Who in your family has the gift of wisdom? How does he or she use this gift?
Child: Who is the wisest person you know? What has he or she taught you?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year C

Keeping Jesus’ word

Reading I: Acts 15:1–2, 22–29 (letter of the Apostles to the Gentiles)
Reading II: Revelation 21:10–14, 22–23 (the new Jerusalem)
Gospel: John 14:23–29 (last discourse; faithfulness to God’s word)

Key Passage: Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” (John 14:23)

Adult: What difference has it made in your life when you made a decision in accord with Jesus’ teachings?
Child: When will you have to make a decision this week? What will help you make a good decision?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year C

Love one another

Reading I: Acts 14:21–27 (end of the first mission)
Reading II: Revelation 21:1–5a (new heavens and new earth)
Gospel: John 13:31–33a, 34–35 (a new commandment)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 13:34)

Adult: When have you seen the power of love overcome a bad situation?
Child: Do you believe love is stronger than hate? Why?
from PastoralPlanning.com)

Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year C

Protected by Christ

Reading I: Acts 13:14, 43–52 (Paul’s and Barnabas’ address to the Gentiles)
Reading II: Revelation 7:9, 14–17 (rejoicing of the elect of every nation)
Gospel: John 10:27–30 (words at the feast of the dedication of the temple)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27–28)

Adult: Whom do you try to protect as Christ protects you?
Child: Who helps you feel safe and protected? Whom can you take care of and help feel safe?
from PastoralPlanning.com)

Third Sunday of Easter, Year C

Feed my sheep

Reading I: Acts 5:27b–32, 40b–41 (disciples’ second trial before the Sanhedrin)
Reading II: Revelation 5:11–14 (praise to the Lamb)
Gospel: John 21:1–19 (appearance at the Sea of Tiberias)

Key Passage: When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” (John 21:15)

Adult: In what ways are you answering Jesus’ command to Peter to “feed my sheep”?
Child: What do you do to take care of others as Jesus asked Peter to do?
(from PatoralPlanning.com)