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Engaging Faith

Practical Lesson Ideas and Activities for Catholic Educators
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Guided Meditation on Our Baptisms

I'll never forget the anger a Sophomore girl expressed in class one day about her own baptism. We were discussing infant baptism and somehow the class discussion turned into a teenage tirade on the infringement of personal freedom and right to choose your own faith. Sitting in the back of the room, one girl said with passionate anger, "It isn't fair. I didn't even get the choice!" I would bet you have some students who would like to renounce their baptism. Or, worse yet, could care less one way or the other if they were baptized or not. The purpose of this meditation is to help your students realize the effect that baptism has had within them. Our baptisms make no sense unless accompanied by the realization of the love that we unknowingly experienced as infants. Our parents and godparents loved and cared for us. They wanted what was best for us. More importantly, at Baptism we experienced for the first time a sacramental expression of God's infinite love for us as his children. Through Baptism we become God's adoptive sons and daughters. We become a part of the body of Christ, God's own Son. Help students imagine the love of God that will always prefigure the development and acceptance of faith with this meditation on baptism. A Meditation on Our Baptisms Reading: The Baptism of Jesus if the Jordan River Matthew 3:13-17 Guided Meditation: My Baptism Most of us experienced our baptism as infants. We have no memory of it ourselves and can only ask our parents to recount the experience for us. Nevertheless, imagine if you were there at your own baptism. What would you have seen and heard? Who do you think would have been there? What kinds of expressions would they have on their faces? What do you think they were feeling or thinking at that moment? Now consider the Baptism of Jesus in relation to your own baptism. In baptism, we become like Christ, God's sons and daughters. Picture the priest pouring water over your infant head or dunking you in the baptismal font. Then at that moment, look up and imagine these words being proclaimed in silence, "This is my beloved [son/daughter] with whom I am well pleased." Now, imagine these words being said to you, today, right now. God speaks directly and privately to you: "You are my beloved child with whom I am well pleased." Silently, respond to him. What would you say if you heard these words from God right now? Closing Prayer Close with an "Our Father," but before you begin remind the students of the words that they are saying. They are God's children. God is our Father. When we pray the Lord's Prayer, we are expressing our relationship with God as our loving Father. (photo credit: mark sebastian)

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Bible Basics for Teens

Earlier this year we had the honor of publishing an excellent introduction to the Bible by Franciscan University professor John Bergsma called Bible Basics for Catholics: A New Picture of Salvation History. Dr. Bergsma, who is a colleague of Dr. Scott Hahn, is known for his fun and creative drawings that illustrate the deep meaning behind the Old Testament biblical texts. He has a unique approach to teaching the Old Testament that all religion teachers can learn from and teens will surely enjoy. What is really remarkable about this book is the memorable drawings of challenging texts. In a world with so much technology, students learn more visually today than ever before. Dr. Bergsma's drawings act as excellent teaching tools for the modern learner. Earlier this year, Dr. Bergsma gave a webinar titled, "How to Get Through the Bible in an Hour," in which he shared brief samples of his creative illustrations. Here is the recording of that webinar: Watch his presentation on YouTube or Vimeo. Dr. Bergsma works really fast in this presentation, so you may want to watch and rewatch the way he teaches certain stories in the Bible: Creation, Abraham, Moses, David, the Prophets, and the Eucharist. You may even want to pick out clips from the presentation to show to your students. Dr. Bergsma's book, Bible Basics for Catholics, gives a step-by-step explanation and discussion that dig deep into the key Old Testament stories that illustrate God's covenants throughout salvation history. Teaching Bible Basics to Teens Whether you teach a course on Sacred Scripture or occasionally include a lesson or two on the Bible, reflect on the following questions: How can I use images to teach about the meaning of the Old Testament and the New Testament? What connections can I show between the Old Testament and the New Testament? How can I help students see God's "covenant" in the texts we will study? How can I use humor to spike my students' interest in the Bible? Bible Basics for Catholics is also available as an eBook on the Kindle and Nook or on the iPad using the Kindle or Nook apps.

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Jesus Welcomes All People

It would be difficult to accept the challenge of discipleship if Jesus were like the host of an exclusive party who only welcomed a select few. Rather, Jesus offers an invitation of discipleship to all. The Gospel of Luke emphasizes this point more than others. It is sometimes called the "social Gospel" because it focuses on Jesus' acceptance of those people who have been neglected by society. Divide the class into four groups. Assign each group one of the following passages from the Gospel of Luke. Ask them to read the passage and discuss it in light of the following question: "What does this passage tell me about how I should treat other people"? Call on a representative from each group to summarize the parable and their group's responses. Record the responses on a board under the heading "How We Are to Welcome Others." Gospel Passages The parable of the rich fool—Luke 12:16-21 The parable of the dishonest steward—Luke 16:1-8 The cleansing of ten Lepers—Luke 17:11-19 Zacchaeus the tax collector—Luke 19:1-10

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Comparing Accounts of Jesus' Baptism

Assign the following comparison of the accounts of Jesus' Baptism from the four Gospels. Have the students note similarities and differences. For example, John's Gospel never clearly mentions that it was John the Baptist who baptized Jesus.       Mt 3:13-17 Mk 1:9-11 Lk 3:21-22 Jn 1:29-34   Who sees the sky opened?             Who sees the dove descending?             Who hears the voice of the Father?          

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Back to School Scripture Verses

Consider using these passages from the Gospel for inspiration or mediation in your first days back to school. Jesus Calls the First Disciples • John 1:35-51 • Matthew 4:18-22 • Matthew 9:9-13 Discipleship • Matthew 10:37-39 • Luke 9:23-27 • Luke 10:23-24 Salt and Light • Matthew 5:13-16 • Mark 4:21-25 • Luke 11:33-36 • John 8:12-20 Jesus and Children • Matthew 19:13-15 • Mark 9:36-37 • Luke 18:15-17 The Kingdom of God is like a Seed • Mark 4:26-29 • Mark 4:1-9 (Parable of the Sower)

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The Nativity of St. John the Baptist

 John the Baptist played a pivotal role in the coming of the Kingdom of God. He is connected with the prophets of the Old Testament while at the same time he acts as a model for the new Kingdom of God. The story of John the Baptist’s birth (Luke 1:5-38, 57-75) can be related to many other stories of births in the Old Testament, particularly in Genesis. Direct the students to some examples of how the Patriarchs were born: Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac (Gn 15:3; 16:1); Isaac, Rebekah, Esau, and Jacob (Gn 25:21); Jacob, Rachel, and Joseph (Gn 29:31, 30:1-2, 22-24). In each case, the pregnancy was made possible by God. Two other births have close similarities to the infancy narrative of John the Baptist including the birth of Samson (Jgs 13:2-3), who like John took ascetic vows (Lk 1:15) and whose parents received a visit from an angel of the Lord. It is probably most likely that the birth of Samuel (1 Sm 1:9-2:11, 18-21) is the prototype of Luke’s infancy narrative: both had barren mothers (1 Sm 1:2; Lk 1:7); both had parents who prayed in the temple (1 Sm 2:9; Lk 1:9); both make ascetic vows (Lk 1:15; 1 Sm 1:11, 22); both are dedicated to the Lord (1 Sm 1:22) The birth of John the Baptist is also closely related to the birth of Jesus Christ: Announcement from an Angel (1:10; 1:26) Mary has faith (1:45) in contrast to Zechariah who has doubt (1:20) The Canticle of Zechariah (2:68-80) and the Magnificat (1:46-55) as responses to God’s gift. Divide these various stories among groups of students. Have them read together both the infancy narrative of John and their passages. Have them find and cite each of the similarities. Then have them propose the reasons why Luke would make these connections to the Old Testament. Discuss their results as a class. Notes on the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist: According to the Gospel of Luke, John the Baptist was born six months before Jesus. The feast of his birth, therefore, is on June 24th. In some countries, St. John’s Eve—like Christmas Eve—is celebrated the day before the feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. This custom is particularly popular in rural Ireland.

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Teaching about the Book of Revelation in Catholic Schools

You and your students will likely notice that during the Catholic Easter liturgies on Sundays the second reading is taken from the Book of Revelation.  How is one to teach this challenging final book of the New Testament?  Here are some tips and activities for teaching about the Book of Revelation and its symbols and meaning.       Focus on the readings in the lectionary.  See www.usccb.org/nab Rev 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19 - The Introduction Rev 5:11-14 - Angels, elders, and creatures praising the Lamb on God's throne Rev 7:9, 14b-17 - Elders speak about the Lamb, God's throne, and the saints Rev 21:1-5a - The new Jerusalem, new heaven, and new earth; the bride of the lamb Rev 21:10-14, 22-23 - the new Jerusalem, the Lord and the Lamb are the new Temple Rev 22:12-14, 16-17, 20 - Jesus is coming soon Symbols of the Book of Revelation Number 7 = symbolic of perfection (the sum of three, representing heaven, and four, representing earth) Number 6 = symbol of imperfection (one short of seven) 666 - three sixes, the ultimate imperfection (so called, sign of the beast) Number 12 = tribes of Israel, Apostles, God's people today   Number 1,000 = incalculable amount, eternity 144,000 (Rev 7:1-8) = 12 x 12 x 1000 = symbol of Israel embracing every nation Four creatures (lion, ox, human being, eagle) (4:6-9) = often refer to the four Evangelists Babylon = Rome Dragon = Satan, Devil 1st beast of the sea (13:1-10) = the Roman emperor 2nd beast of the land (13:11-18) = a local authority, likely in Pergamum (Rev 2:13) Woman clothed with the Sun = God's people, possibly Mary Son of the Woman = the Messiah, Christ Four horses = conquering power, bloody war, famine, death horns = power eyes = knowledge Bride of the Lamb = the Church Source:  Encountering Jesus in the New Testament by Michael Pennock     Symbols of Christ in the Book of Revelation Lamb = Christ is the Paschal Lamb Alpha and Omega = first and last letters of the Greek alphabet; Christ is eternal Pantokrator = Greek, "Ruler of All" Root of David Lion of Judah Meaning of the Book of Revelation Although many contemporary Protestants believe that the Book of Revelation describes in detail the events that will unfold at the end of the world, this books is not to be interpreted as such.  In particular, the idea of a "rapture" that occurs before the Judgement is a relatively new idea and new interpretation of the book.  We, like the orignial audience, should recognize that the Book of Revelation was written for a group of persecuted Chrstians in the Roman Empire.  The symbols are not literal, but should be interpreted for their deeper meaning.  Instead, the Book of Revelation's basic message is that good will triumph over evil, have hope in Christ who will prevail, and faith during times of persecution.   For more information, check out:  http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/ac1005.asp Activities: Discuss apocalyptic genre.  Read Revelation.  Invite the students to write their own version of apocalyptic literature.   Google image search the many examples of artwork from the Book of Revelation.  Create a PowerPoint to share these images with the students.   Draw the symbols of the Book of Revelation with images of their actual meanings.   Direct students to search the Book of Revelation for examples of the two major themes of hope (Christ will ultimately persevere) and faith (during times of persecution).  Hint:  Use pre-reading skills by looking at the section titles, first and last sentences of paragraphs, and pictures (if applicable).   Read the passages about Christ in the Book of Revelation.  Make connections between these images of Christ and other parts of the New Testament.  Find Scripture verses that are similar.  For example, the bride of Christ in Rev 21:2, 9, 17 and Ephesians 5:21-33 and the parable of the wedding banquet (Lk 14:7-14).   Using Scott Hahn's book The Lamb's Supper, point out connections between the Book of Revelation and the Mass.   Source:  Encountering Jesus in the New Testament by Michael Pennock

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The Signs in the Gospel of John Activity

This activity is taken from Jesus Christ: God’s Revelation to the World which is in accordance with Course I of the USCCB’s Curriculum Framework. Remind the students that unlike the other evangelists, John did not set out to outline the Good News in some sort of chronological order based on events in Jesus’ life. Instead, John focused on seven of Jesus’ miracles, which he calls “signs.” Emphasize that for John, all other events and teachings (the discourses) in his Gospel lead up to or develop from these crucial signs. Finally, tell the students that in reading the signs, it is important to pay attention to them not just individually but as a whole.The Seven Signs of John's Gospel:   The Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-12)  Cure of the Official's Son (John 4:46-54) Cure on a Sabbath (John 5:1-47) Multiplication of Loaves (John 6:1-14) Walking on Water (John 6:16-24) Cure of a Man Born Blind (John 9:1-41)  Raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-44) Divide the class into seven small groups. Assign one of the seven signs to each small group. Explain that each group is to: 1) Read its assigned sign in the Bible as well as its exposition in the text 2) Prepare a presentation that answers the following questions:  What is the story of the sign? What does the sign point to or reveal? What role does faith play? That is, does the sign cause or emanate from faith or both? How do others react to the sign? What does the sign say to us today? 3) Create their own “sign” of the sign, that is, an artistic rendering that “points to” the meaning of the biblical sign, that is, answers the final question above (“What does the sign say to us today?”). For example, the students might illustrate the sign of the Cana miracle with images of banquets or celebrations or weddings or hungry people being fed or an invitation to a party, etc.Photo by Fergal OP

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