Young
Catholics
SOURCE: Young Catholics
Teen
Commentary
Isaiah 60:1-6 – Embracing the Joys of Adolescence
The first reading celebrates the arrival of a new day and encourages individuals to arise and shine.
Teenagers often embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring their talents, passions, and dreams. The joys they experience during this period can range from forming meaningful friendships to participating in various activities that bring them happiness. Isaiah 60:1-6 reminds teenagers to embrace their authentic selves and shine their light, encouraging them to pursue their passions, develop their talents, and forge their own path in life.
Ephesians 3:2-6 – Finding Support during Struggles
The second reading highlights the inclusivity and support that God’s grace offers to all people.
Adolescence can bring about a range of difficulties, from academic pressures to emotional and social challenges as teenagers navigate their identity and place in the world. In the face of struggle, teenagers can recognize that they are not alone and that there is a network of support available to them. It encourages them to reach out to trusted adults, mentors, or support systems that can provide guidance, understanding, and solace during times of uncertainty.
Matthew 2:1-12 – Navigating the Journey of Self-Discovery
The Gospel recounts the journey of the magi who sought and discovered the infant Jesus. This passage can be seen as a metaphor for the teenage experience of seeking purpose and meaning. Teenagers often grapple with questions of identity, their place in the world, and their purpose in life.
Similar to the magi who embarked on a quest for meaning, teenagers are on a journey of self-discovery as they explore their passions, values, and aspirations. Matthew 2:1-12 reminds teenagers to be open to the signs and opportunities that present themselves along their path. It encourages them to remain curious, seek wisdom from trusted sources, and follow their own unique calling.
Life
Teen
Questions
for Teens
Gospel – Key Words
1. fmgai
2. slmejerua
3. nkih odreh
4. kign fo het ewjs
5. hbmleeeth
6. atsr
7. aest
8. sgistf
9. dlog
10. enusnicferk
11. rymrh
12. daemr
13. nraw
14. nifnat
15. shpirotw
16. dcierejo
17. esuoh
18. yram
19. hsepoj
20. dnarotida
2nd Reading – Answers
1. Magi
2. Jerusalem
3. King Herod
4. King of the Jews
5. Bethlehem
6. star
7. East
8. gifts
9. gold
10. frankincense
11. myrrh
12. dream
13. warn
14. infant
15. worship
16. rejoiced
17. house
18. Mary
19. Joseph
20. adoration
Discussion Questions
Is 60:1-6
Q1: What is the message of Isaiah 60:1-6?
A1: Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
Q2: How does Isaiah describe the state of darkness?
A2: See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples.
Can teenagers also rise up and shine their light to make a difference? Absolutely! The glory of the Lord can rise upon teenagers as well, empowering them to make a positive impact.
Q3: Who will see the light that shines upon Jerusalem?
A3: Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Q4: How will Jerusalem’s light attract people from various nations?
A4: Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather and come to you.
How can teenagers use their light to attract others? By living out their values and displaying kindness, teenagers can become beacons of light, attracting others to their positive example.
Q5: What will the nations bring to Jerusalem?
A5: They will bring gold and frankincense and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.
Q6: Why would other nations offer precious gifts to Jerusalem?
A6: Because it symbolizes the abundance and blessing that comes from being in the presence of the Lord.
Are teenagers capable of offering valuable gifts to the world?Absolutely! Teenagers have unique talents and abilities that, when shared, can bring blessings and make a difference in the lives of others.
Q7: How can teenagers proclaim the praise of the Lord in their daily lives?
A7: By living with integrity, showing love and compassion, and expressing gratitude, teenagers can proclaim the praise of the Lord through their actions and words._
Discussion Questions
Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6
Q1: What role did St. Paul have in spreading the Gospel?
A1: Surely you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit.
Can teenagers also be stewards of God’s grace for the benefit of others? Absolutely! God’s grace is not limited by age, and teenagers can actively participate in spreading the love and message of Christ.
Q2: Who has the mystery of Christ been revealed to?
A2: It has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.
Q3: How is this mystery summarized?
A3: That is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Are teenagers included in the “Gentiles becoming fellow heirs” mentioned here? Yes, teenagers from all backgrounds have the opportunity to become heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promises of Christ through the Gospel.
Q4: How can teenagers become members of the same body and sharers in the promise?
A4: By accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior and living a life dedicated to following Him, teenagers can be united with other believers and receive the promises of God altogether.
Q5: What does it mean for teenagers to be part of the body of Christ?
A5: Being part of the body of Christ means that teenagers are connected to other believers in a deep and meaningful way, supporting and encouraging one another in their faith journeys.
Q6: How can teenagers actively participate in sharing the promise of Christ with others?
A6: Teenagers can share the hope and love of Jesus through their words and actions, reaching out to their peers, families, and communities with the message of salvation.
Q7: Can teenagers share in the promise of Christ and still maintain their unique identities and backgrounds?
A7: Certainly! The beauty of the Gospel is that it embraces and cherishes diversity while uniting everyone in Christ. Teenagers can embrace their unique identities while being part of the promise and body of Christ._
Discussion Questions
Mt 2:1-12
Q1: Who “came from the East” in search of the child born King of the Jews?
A1: Magi from the East came in search of the child born King of the Jews. (Matthew 2:1)
Have you ever been curious about distant cultures and their customs?
Q2: What did the Magi say when they arrived in Jerusalem?
A2: The Magi asked, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” (Matthew 2:2)
Have you ever felt a deep desire to seek something greater than yourself?
Q3: How did King Herod react upon hearing about the birth of the newborn king?
A3: King Herod and all of Jerusalem were greatly troubled by this news. (Matthew 2:3)
Have you ever experienced a sense of uneasiness or confusion when faced with unexpected news?
Q4: What did King Herod do to gather information about the whereabouts of the child?
A4: King Herod assembled all the chief priests and scribes and inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. (Matthew 2:4)
When faced with a problem, do you tend to seek guidance or advice from others?
Q5: What was the response of the chief priests and scribes regarding the birthplace of the Christ?
A5: They informed King Herod that according to the prophet Micah, the Christ was to be born in Bethlehem of Judea. (Matthew 2:5-6)
Are you familiar with any prophecies or predictions that pertain to important events?
Q6: What instructions did King Herod give to the Magi secretly?
A6: King Herod instructed the Magi to search diligently for the child and, once they found him, to report back to him so that he too could go and do him homage. (Matthew 2:7-8)
Have you ever encountered situations where you felt the need to handle matters discreetly or privately?
Q7: What happened when the Magi saw the star again?
A7: The star they had seen at its rising went ahead of them until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. (Matthew 2:9)
Have you ever experienced moments of clarity or guidance that helped you find your way?
Q8: How did the Magi feel upon seeing the child with Mary, his mother?
A8: They were overjoyed and prostrated themselves and did him homage. (Matthew 2:10-11)
Can you recall instances where you felt overwhelming joy or awe in the presence of something or someone extraordinary?
Q9: What gifts did the Magi present to the child?
A9: The Magi offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11)
What kind of tribute or gifts do you think would be meaningful to present to someone of great importance or significance?
Q10: Why did the Magi return to their own country by another route?
A10: They were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, so they departed for their country by another route. (Matthew 2:12)
Have you ever been cautioned or given advice in a dream or through an intuitive feeling that influenced your actions?
Fr. Mike
Schmidt
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1. What event are we celebrating this weekend?
Answer: We are celebrating the Epiphany of the Lord. (Epiphany Sunday)
2. What is the familiar story mentioned in the Gospel?
Answer: The familiar story is about the wise men or three kings bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus.
3. What gifts can we bring to Jesus this week?
Answer: The best gift we can bring to Jesus this week is ourselves, our attention, and our presence.
4. How can we do this?
Answer: We can bring ourselves as a gift to Jesus by reconnecting with Him through prayer and spending time speaking with Him. (Catholic Planner)
5. Do we need expensive or extravagant gifts to offer to Jesus?
Answer: No, we do not need expensive gifts like gold or rare spices such as frankincense and myrrh. Our presence and attention are more cherished by Jesus.
6. What is suggested to do this week to connect with Jesus?
Answer: Find a day in your busy schedule to visit your nearest church, even if just for a few minutes, to spend time in quiet prayer. (Catholic Planner)
7. How can we imagine ourselves when visiting the church?
Answer: Picture yourself as one of the three kings as you travel to the church, eagerly seeking and encountering the actual presence of God within the tabernacle.
8. What does God value the most when we visit Him in the church?
Answer: God cherishes our presence and attention more than gold and myrrh. Our gift of being present and attentive is what He values the most.
9. How can we courageously live the Gospel in new ways?
Answer: We can courageously live the Gospel in new ways by seeking to understand and practice its principles in our daily lives, making intentional choices to align our actions with God’s teachings.
Fr. Mike Schmitz
Religion
Teacher
Jared Dees
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