CATHOLIC TEENS – 3rd Sunday of Advent B

A1: The speaker in this passage is someone who has been anointed by the Lord. Their purpose is to bring glad tidings, heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to captives, and release prisoners from darkness.

How can these actions of healing the brokenhearted and releasing captives relate to the challenges teenagers may face, such as bullying, peer pressure, or mental health struggles?

Q2: What is meant by the phrase “a day of vindication”?

A2: “A day of vindication” refers to the time when God will restore justice, making things right and rewarding those who have been faithful.

In your experience, have you ever felt the need for justice or fairness in a situation at school or among friends? How can this passage give you hope that God will one day bring about justice?

Q3: How does the passage describe the clothing of the person anointed by the Lord?

A3: The person anointed by the Lord is described as being clothed with salvation and wrapped in a robe of justice.

How can being “clothed with salvation” and “wrapped in a robe of justice” empower teenagers to stand up for what is right and make a positive impact on their peers?

Q4: What does the passage say about the growth and blossoming of the earth?

A4: The passage states that just as the earth produces its growth and a garden makes its seeds spring up, so the Lord GOD will make justice and praise spring up.

How can this imagery of growth and blossoming encourage teenagers to strive for personal growth and live a life that reflects justice and praise?

Q5: How does the passage express God’s joy and delight in His people?

A5: The passage says that God will rejoice greatly in His people and exult in His salvation.

How does it feel to know that you bring joy and delight to God as His beloved child? How can this knowledge inspire you to live a life that aligns with His will?

Q6: What can we learn from the passage’s emphasis on proclaiming and praising the Lord?

A6: This passage highlights the importance of sharing God’s message of hope and salvation, as well as lifting our voices in praise and thanksgiving.

In what ways can teenagers be ambassadors of God’s love and hope in their schools and communities? How can praising the Lord help strengthen their faith and inspire others?

Discussion Questions
Lk 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54

Q1: Who is speaking in this passage and why are they rejoicing?

A1: Mary, the mother of Jesus, is speaking in this passage, and she is rejoicing because of the great things that God has done for her.

Can you think of a time when you experienced a deep sense of joy or gratitude for something that happened in your life? How can Mary’s example of rejoicing in God’s blessings inspire you to appreciate the good things in your life?

Q2: According to Mary’s words, what does God do for those who fear Him?

A2: Mary declares that God fills the hungry with good things, lifts up the lowly, and shows mercy to those who fear Him.

How can having a reverence for God and a genuine fear of Him shape the way teenagers approach their lives and relationships? How can we experience God’s mercy and blessings by maintaining a humble and respectful attitude towards Him?

Q3: What is the significance of Mary proclaiming that God has “cast down the mighty from their thrones”?

A3: Mary’s proclamation signifies that God brings down those who are proud, arrogant, and oppressive from their positions of power.

In a world that often values power, popularity, and status, how can Mary’s words encourage teenagers to prioritize humility, kindness, and compassion towards others instead? How can we use our voices and actions to challenge injustice and uplift those who are oppressed?

Q4: According to Mary, why does God remember His promises?

A4: Mary states that God’s mercy is from generation to generation to those who fear Him.

How does the idea of God’s mercy extending from generation to generation inspire teenagers to have a strong and faithful relationship with Him? How can we pass on this message of mercy and faithfulness to future generations?

Q5: How does Mary describe God’s faithfulness towards Israel?

A5: Mary describes God as remembering His mercy, helping Israel, and fulfilling the promise He made to their ancestors.

In what ways can teenagers relate to God’s faithfulness and mercy towards Israel? How can we remember God’s faithfulness in our own lives and trust that He will fulfill the promises He has made to us?

Q6: How does Mary acknowledge her own lowly state in relation to God’s blessings?

A6: Mary humbly acknowledges that God has looked upon her lowliness and done great things for her.

In a world that often values self-promotion and pride, how can Mary’s humility serve as a model for teenagers to approach their own achievements and blessings? How can we humbly acknowledge that everything we have comes from God and use our blessings to serve others?

Discussion Questions
1 Thes 5:16-24

Q1: What does the passage instruct us to do in verse 16?

A1: The passage instructs us to rejoice always.

In the midst of challenges and stress that teenagers often face, how can the instruction to rejoice always apply to their lives? How can a positive mindset and finding joy in the little things help them navigate through difficult times?

Q2: According to verse 17, what should we do continually?

A2: Verse 17 states that we should pray without ceasing.

How can the practice of constant prayer impact the lives of teenagers? How can prayer help them find guidance, peace, and strength in the midst of their daily struggles and decision-making processes?

Q3: What does the passage advise us to do in verse 18?

A3: The passage advises us to give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for us.

Why is it important for teenagers to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and give thanks in all circumstances? How can expressing gratitude help change their perspective and overall well-being?

Q4: In verse 19, what does Paul urge the Thessalonians not to do?

A4: Paul urges the Thessalonians not to quench the Spirit.

How can teenagers avoid quenching the Spirit in their lives? In what ways can they nurture and allow the Holy Spirit to work in them, guiding their thoughts, actions, and relationships?

Q5: What should we hold fast to according to verse 21?

A5: Verse 21 encourages us to hold fast to what is good and abstain from every form of evil.

In a world that often presents conflicting values and temptations, how can teenagers discern what is good and abstain from evil? How can they stay true to their faith and make wise choices?

Q6: How does the passage express God’s faithfulness towards us?

A6: The passage states that the God of peace Himself will sanctify us entirely and keep our spirit, soul, and body blameless.

How can the assurance of God’s faithfulness and His desire to sanctify us entirely bring comfort and hope to teenagers in their journey of faith? How can they cooperate with God’s work in their lives to grow spiritually and keep themselves blameless in His sight?

Discussion Questions
Jn 1:6-8, 19-28

Q1: Who is introduced in this passage and what is their role?

A1: John the Baptist is introduced in this passage, and his role is to bear witness to the coming of the light (referring to Jesus).

How can John the Baptist’s role as a witness to the light inspire teenagers to be bold and vocal about their faith in Jesus? How can they use their own lives as testimonies to point others towards Christ?

Q2: In verse 7, what does John the Baptist say about himself?

A2: John the Baptist declares that he is not the light, but has come to testify to the light.

In a culture that often values self-promotion and seeking attention, how can John the Baptist’s humility and focus on pointing to the true Light guide teenagers in keeping their faith centered on Jesus rather than themselves?

Q3: How do the religious leaders question John the Baptist in verses 19-22?

A3: The religious leaders ask John the Baptist who he is and if he is the Messiah, Elijah, or the Prophet.

Have you ever experienced pressure or confusion from others regarding your faith? How can John the Baptist’s example of confidently knowing and speaking about his role help teenagers navigate similar situations and stay rooted in their identity as followers of Christ?

Q4: How does John the Baptist respond to the religious leaders’ questions in verses 23-28?

A4: John the Baptist responds by quoting the prophet Isaiah, saying that he is the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord.”

In what ways can teenagers be voices crying out in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Lord in their schools and communities? How can they live out their faith boldly and make a positive impact on their peers, even if it means going against popular opinions or trends?

Q5: What important truth does John the Baptist proclaim in his response to the religious leaders?

A5: John the Baptist proclaims that someone greater than him is coming, whose sandal strap he is not even worthy to untie.

How can John the Baptist’s acknowledgment of Jesus as someone greater inspire teenagers to have a humble and reverent posture towards Christ? How can they constantly remind themselves that Jesus is the one to follow, surrendering their lives to His guidance and authority?

Q6: How can teenagers apply the concept of being witnesses to the light, just as John the Baptist was?

A6: Teenagers can be witnesses to the light through their words, actions, and relationships, allowing the light of Christ to shine through them and draw others to Him. They can testify to the love, grace, and truth of Jesus in their everyday lives and interactions.

Are there any specific ways you feel called to be a witness to the light of Christ in your own life? How can you intentionally share His love and invite others to encounter Him?

Fr. Mike
Schmidt

TBD

Ascension Presents