Catechism Themes

26th Sunday of Year A

Doctrinal Homily Outlines


Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

CCC 1807: just person distinguished by habitual rectitude toward others
CCC 2842: only Holy Spirit can give us the mind of Christ
CCC 1928-1930, 2425-2426: the obligation of social justice
CCC 446-461: the Lordship of Christ
CCC 2822-2827: “Thy will be done”


Interior Penance (CCC 1430-1433)

Echoing
God’s Word

by Fr. Clement D. Thibodeau

REFLECTIONS

“Look at all the hypocrites who go to church all the time and still exploit their neighbor and abuse the weak and the powerless.” 

26th Sunday of Year A

The average pastoral care worker, the parish priest, or the pastoral counselor will surely have heard this frequent excuse for not going to church: “Look at all the hypocrites who go to church all the time and still exploit their neighbor and abuse the weak and the powerless.” It is said that the same tongue we use on Sunday to praise God is used on Monday to lie and to cheat. Lack of sincerity, or inconsistency in our religious commitments, becomes a scandal to those who observe us.

We often dismiss such remarks with the retort that those who do not go to church are just as inconsistent as churchgoers when it comes to professing values on the one hand and practicing those same values on the other hand. Of course, such ad hominem arguments have little impact on anyone. It is far better to acknowledge the truth of the accusations and then try to do better.

In the fellowship of those recovering from addictions, we often hear the slogan: “Walk the walk; don’t just talk the talk!” It is by our deeds that we demonstrate the success of our recovery and not just by our words.

The followers of Jesus Christ are bound by the commitment they have made to model their behavior on him, to follow his example. Truth and sincerity were the hallmarks of his life and his teaching. Jesus said, “Come, follow me.” He did not just say, “Do what I tell you to do.” His faithfulness to the will of the Father led him all the way to Calvary. Paul says that it was because he was obedient to God that God raised him up to new life on Easter Sunday.

There was a time when people might have become Christians because there might have been some worldly gain in being a Christian. The Church community may have been able to grant some privileges or some advantages to those who belonged to the fellowship. Not so today. In business, in politics, in higher education, in entertainment, in the arts, Christians often are not well received. There may be a distinct disadvantage in professing the Christian way of living. To live like a Christian requires courage. One does not say that one is a Christian for any other reason than for the sake of Jesus Christ himself.

We say we belong to Christ; let us live the Gospel.

Class Lesson Plans

26th Sunday of Year A

Catechist Background and Preparation
Primary Session
Intermediate Session
Junior High School

Moral Decision Making

DISCUSSION STARTERS

  • How does Jesus show us how to live a moral life?
  • What helps you arrive at a good moral decision?
  • Why are we responsible for our choices?
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Catechism References

26th Sunday of Year A

26th Sunday of Year A

Bible Verses Cited in Catechism

1st Reading

Ezekiel 18:25-26

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Courtesy of Catholic Cross Reference Online

2nd Reading

Philippians 2:1-11

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Courtesy of Catholic Cross Reference Online

Gospel Reading

Matthew 21:28-32

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Featured Video


Catholic Catechism Topics

28 Lessons

Fr. Eamon Tobin

Catholic Catechism Topics

28 articles on the “four pillars” of the Catechism offering a pastoral approach explaining Catholic beliefs not stated explicitly in the Bible, e.g., Purgatory, Marian doctrines.

  • Suggestions on how to study the articles in a small group 
  • Suggestions on which articles to focus on for two seasons (seven weeks per season)
  • Index of Topics

Animated Catechism Series

3 Minute
Catechism

70 hand drawn and animated episodes, each 3-4 minutes long. The series follows and explains the Creed, covering all four parts of the Catechism. 

Kathmedia
(Deutsch)

MAN: Episodes 1-6
REVELATION: 7-11
GOD: 12-20
CREATION: 21-26
JESUS: 27-33
SACRAMENTS: 34-50
CHURCH: 51-60
LAST THINGS: 61-64
SANCTITY: 65-70

Courtesy of Catholic Cross Reference Online