#1

The Good News for Young People

December 7, 2014
2nd Sunday of Advent B
Mark 1: 1-8
The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the
prophet: I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way, a voice of one calling in
the wilderness, Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.
And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the
forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him.
Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John wore clothing made of camels
hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message:
After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop
down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.
Lesson from the Gospel
Jesus was baptized by John, the Son of God baptized by a mere man. It reminds us to appreciate
the fact that we have received the Holy Spirit through the sacrament of baptism, and to be instruments
in convincing others of its importance.
In Line with Understanding by Design
Desired Result
Lead the students into the realization that they had to be baptized so they can receive
sanctifying grace and the Holy Spirit.
Explain
Why do you think John the Baptist was called the voice of one calling out in the desert?
Interpret
John the Baptist was a unassuming man tasked to prepare the way for the Lord. Could you
name other characters in the New Testament who were simple like him but were also given similar
honorable assignments?
Gain Perspective
John the Baptist wore made of camels hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate
locusts and wild honey. What made the people of Judea and Jerusalem go to this simple man to
confess and be baptized by him? Why would the path of Jesus be prepared by a nobody?
Empathize
Do you think John the Baptist hesitated when he was called to be the one to prepare the path of
Jesus? How do you think he felt about this wonderful role as precursor of Jesus?
Gain Self-Knowledge
What is the significance and importance of being a baptized Catholic for you?
Apply
Recall the promises our parents made on our behalf during our baptism. Reflect on its impact on
your life. Share your reflection with the class.

#2
The Good News for Young People
December 14, 2014
3rd Sunday of Advent B
John 1: 6-9, 19-28
And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him,
Who are you? He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked
him, What then? Are you Elijah? He said, I am not. Are you the Prophet? And he answered, No.
So they said to him, Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say
about yourself? He said, I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, Make straight the way of
the Lord, as the prophet Isaiah said.
Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, Then why are you baptizing, if you are
neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet? John answered them, I baptize with water, but among
you stands one you do not know, even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not
worthy to untie. These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Lesson from the Gospel
The world was lost and confused before the arrival of Jesus. However, people like John the
Baptist dedicated their lives on preparing for His coming. People like John lived their lives in joyful hope,
because they believed in Jesus, before whom anything is possible. In the same way, we are called to live
in the same joyful hope, even though we may be living through dark times at the moment.
In Line with Understanding by Design
Desired Result
Help the students appreciate John the Baptists role as the bringer of Good News, and of our
similar role of making our lives examples of hope in God.
Explain
John quoted Isaiah when he said that he is the voice calling out, Make straight the way of the
Lord. What did he mean by that?
Interpret
Why was John the Baptist asked if he was Elijah?
Gain Perspective
Why did the Jews ask John if he was the Christ, the Messiah? Why was the coming of the
Messiah important to them, as opposed to its importance to the Christians of today?
Empathize
If you were John the Baptist, how would you have felt when his authority to baptize was
questioned by the priests and Levites from Jerusalem?
Gain Self-Knowledge
Were there times in your life that you were given a position or title worth bragging about but
chose to be silent and humble about it?
Apply
Compose a short personal prayer to pray every day of Advent, entrusting your life to Jesus as
you wait for His coming this Christmas.
#3
The Good News for Young People
December 21, 2014
4th Sunday of Advent B
Luke 1: 26-38
In the sixth month of Elizabeths pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to
a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgins name was
Mary. The angel went to her and said, Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel
said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to
a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The
Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacobs descendants forever;
his kingdom will never end.
How will this be, Mary asked the angel, since I am a virgin? The angel answered, The Holy Spirit will
come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be
called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who
was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.
I am the Lords servant, Mary answered. May your word to me be fulfilled. Then the angel left her.
Lesson from the Gospel
The gospel was not so much about the annunciation, the angels announcement of Gods plan
for Mary, than it was about the fiat, Marys acceptance of this plan. We may not exactly know what
Gods plan is for us, but like Mary, we are called to trust in Gods plan and just say yes.
In Line with Understanding by Design
Desired Result
Guide the students to always be open to Gods plan.
Explain
In Eastern Christianity, Mary is referred to as the Theotokos, literally God-bearer. Why is it
significant that a human was given the honor to bear the son of God?
Interpret
The angel mentioned Marys elderly cousin Elizabeth as proof of his words. Study Marys and
Elizabeths stories and identify their similarities and differences.
Gain Perspective
When Mary found that she will bear a son even though she was a virgin, she was greatly
troubled. Why? (Hint: Consider the context of Jewish society back then.)
Empathize
Put yourself in Marys position. What would you feel in the face of a similarly daunting mission
from God? What would spur you to take (or reject) the mission?
Gain Self-Knowledge
Has there been an annunciation moment in your life, when the right thing to do in a certain
situation was made clear to you? What did you do?
Apply
Reflect on each line of the prayer Hail Mary. In particular, consider the virtues of Mary that
make her worth hailing.

#4
The Good News for Young People
December 28, 2014
Holy Family
Luke 2: 22-40
When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to
Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens
the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two
young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout,
awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the
Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. He came in the
Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law
in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen
your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and
glory for your people Israel.
The childs father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and
said to Mary his mother, Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a
sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts
may be revealed. There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She
was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a
widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting
and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to
all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own
town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon
him.
Lesson from the Gospel
The gospel is a moving story of a man who held on to a promise made to him by God that he
would not die before seeing the Messiah. He did not just idly wait, but eagerly prepared himself. We are
called to do the same this Advent, to prepare ourselves happily for Jesus this Christmas.
In Line with Understanding by Design
Desired Result
Lead the class into appreciating the value of waiting faithfully for God and for our loved ones.
Explain
Why were the firstborn consecrated to the Lord during Jesus time? In the first place, why were
the firstborn important in Jewish society?
Interpret
The Old Testament was basically an account of the people of God waiting for the coming of the
Messiah. Research some of the Old Testament prophecies that foretold Jesus coming.
Gain Perspective
Simeon was awaiting the consolation of Israel. Why did Israel need to be consoled? What was
the situation of Israel back then?
Empathize
How do you think Simon felt when he finally met the reason he waited so long, the son of God?
Gain Self-Knowledge
Are there times in your life when you fail to wait faithfully for your parents or friends when they
leave for a while?
Apply
Sing or listen to, then discuss the song Simeons Canticle by Hangad.
#5
The Good News for Young People
January 4, 2015
The Epiphany of the Lord
Matthew 2: 1-12
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to
Jerusalem and asked, Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it
rose and have come to worship him.
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together
all the peoples chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born.
In Bethlehem in Judea, they replied, for this is what the prophet has written: But you, Bethlehem, in
the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who
will shepherd my people Israel. Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the
exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, Go and search carefully for the
child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went
ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were
overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and
worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense
and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country
by another route.
Lesson from the Gospel
Even from the beginning of Jesus life on this world, God wanted to make it clear that His Son was
brought into the world not just for the Jews but also for the Gentiles, not just for one race or faith but
for everyone, not just for the few but for all.
In Line with Understanding by Design
Desired Result
Guide the students to love and understanding for other people, especially those of different
faiths, through the story of the Magi.
Explain
Research on the three gifts given to baby Jesus. What was the significance of each one?
Interpret
The Magi were from the east, not from Israel. Why is this significant? (Hint: Put yourself in the
position of the Israelites, who expected (and still expect) the Messiah to be Israels, and just Israels,
salvation.)
Gain Perspective
It was obvious that Herod was lying. What do you think were his real motivations for wanting to
see Jesus?
Empathize
How do you think the Magi felt when they finally laid eyes on the Messiah? How do you think
Mary felt when the three foreign kings knelt down before their child?
Gain Self-Knowledge
Have you ever refused love and kindness to others just because they are different from you?
Have you ever been like Herod, unwilling to share the love of Jesus with others of different faith?
Apply
Research more on the words of Pope Francis I on love before dogma.

#6
The Good News for Young People
January 11, 2014
The Baptism of the Lord
Mark 1: 7-11
And this is what he proclaimed: One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and
loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy
Spirit. It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the
Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a
dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, You are my beloved Son; with you I
am well pleased.
Lesson from the Gospel
In the gospel, Jesus Himself was baptized, even though He was without sin. This gospel
emphasizes the importance of the sacrament, which exhorts and reminds us to live in a way worthy of
our baptism.
In Line with Understanding by Design
Desired Result
Help the student appreciate the value of baptism, and convince them to make an effort to live
the way someone baptized should live.
Explain
If baptism removes sin, and Jesus was without sin, why did He choose to be baptized? Research
the Catholic Churchs perspective on this.
Interpret
Are you familiar with the expression holier-than-thou? How does Jesus humble acceptance of
baptism contrast with the holier-than-thou attitude of the day, especially perpetuated by the elite (the
Pharisees, etc.)?
Gain Perspective
Research on the Old Testament concepts of being ritually clean and unclean. How does the
baptism preached by John change this?
Empathize
How do you think John felt when Jesus, someone who in his own words should be the one
baptizing him, humbly came to Him for baptism?
Gain Self-Knowledge
Jesus is the ultimate example of how a baptized person should live. In light of this, do you
sometimes act overly judgmental and unforgiving of other people? How do you deal with these
tendencies?
Apply
His Father called Jesus His beloved Son, with you I am well pleased. How about you? Write at
least five things that you can change in your life to be more pleasing to God.

#7
The Good News for Young People
January 18, 2014
Feast of Sto. Nino
Mark 10: 13-16
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples
rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, Let the little children come to
me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone
who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. And he took the children in
his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.
Lesson from the Gospel
Being like a little child can mean two things being childish or being childlike. Being childish is
being a spoiled brat before God, always demanding. Being childlike is trusting in God, even when we
dont fully understand at the moment His plan for us.
In Line with Understanding by Design
Desired Result
Urge the student to discover the real meaning of being childlike before God.
Explain
The disciples scolded those who brought the children to Jesus. However Jesus reminded His
disciples of the importance of the young ones. Name other stories from the gospels where Jesus shows
His love for children.
Interpret
Children are usually used by Jesus as symbols for the kingdom of God, like in this gospel. Name
other similar Gospel stories.
Gain Perspective
Why do you think the disciples rebuked those who brought the children to Jesus? How were
children perceived during the time?
How about today? Would the disciples have done the same today?
Empathize
If you were a child in the crowd, how would you have felt when you saw someone like Jesus?
Gain Self-Knowledge
Were there times when you became impatient with children?
List at least five instances when you have been childish and five more instances when you have
been what Jesus wants us to be trusting in Him like a child.
Apply
Pray for Jesus to help you become more childlike and less childish.
#8
The Good News for Young People
January 25, 2014
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mark 1: 14-20
After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. The time has
come, he said. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!
As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the
lake, for they were fishermen. Come, follow me, Jesus said, and I will send you out to fish for
people. At once they left their nets and followed him.
When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat,
preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with
the hired men and followed him.
Lesson from the Gospel
The first four disciples of Jesus were simple people. The Gospel tells us that we do not have to
be perfect to be able to heed His call to fish for people. We only have to be humble, and follow Him.
Even when we stumble, its not too late. We just have to pick ourselves up, and follow Him again.
In Line with Understanding by Design
Desired Result
Inspire the students to always follow Jesus, even when they fall down sometimes.
Explain
Fishing was one of the main means of livelihood during that time. Thus, Jesus usually used
stories about fishing in his sermons. Can you list them?
Interpret
What did Jesus mean when He told the disciples, I will send you out to fish for people?
Gain Perspective
The Messiah was to be the King of Israel, according to the prophecies. However, his disciples
were mere fishermen, not princes. How did Jesus reconcile these two ideas?
Empathize
How do you think the four fishermen felt when Jesus called them to be fishers of people?
What made them obey without second thoughts?
Gain Self-Knowledge
Have there been times in your life when you faltered in obedience, but came back with a
stronger conviction? What inspired your return?
Apply
Write an oath of allegiance to Jesus to be a fisher of men. Decorate it to make it look formal.
Post it on your bedroom wall to be a constant reminder for you.