In this week’s Gospel passage, Jesus tells a parable of two sons. One son tells the father he will not do what the father asks but then does it. The other son tells the father that he will do what the father asks but then does not. In this lesson, students will consider if they live in a way is faithful to God not only with their words but also with their actions.
The Parable of the Two Sons – Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time | Year A
Lesson Overview
Upper Elementary Lesson Materials
Download all PDFsDirections
- Have your students read the Gospel passage, or read it aloud to your students, and then answer the focus questions.
- Review and discuss the answers when they have completed the focus questions.
- Have your students read the reflection and complete the Creating a Spiritual Plan activity.
- Gather students together and discuss one way they plan to improve their spiritual lives this week.
Answer Key
Focus Questions
- The first son says he will not work in the vineyard.
- He changes his mind and does what his father asks.
- The second son replies “Yes, sir,” but then does not go out to work in the vineyard.
- Jesus asks the chief priests and the elders which of the two sons did his father’s will, and they reply that it was the first son.
- Tax collectors and prostitutes will enter the kingdom of God before them.
- They did not believe in John the Baptist.
Lower Elementary Lesson Materials
Download all PDFsDirections
- Read the Gospel passage aloud to your students as they follow along. Then discuss the focus and reflection questions with them as a class.
- Have your students read the reflection and complete the My Spiritual Plan activity. Explain that this week’s Gospel passage emphasizes how important it is not just to say we are doing God’s will, but actually to do it! Have students write down one (or more) practical ways they can love God and love their neighbor for each day of the upcoming week.
- If students need assistance filling the chart, help them with examples such as: praying the rosary, attending Mass, going to Adoration, visiting relatives or the sick, helping make dinner, performing acts of kindness, helping with chores, etc.
Answer Key
Focus Questions
- The first son says he will not work in the vineyard.
- He changes his mind and does what his father asks.
- The second son replies “Yes, sir,” but then does not go out to work in the vineyard.
- Jesus asks the chief priests and the elders which of the two sons did his father’s will, and they reply that it was the first son.
- Tax collectors and prostitutes will enter the Kingdom of God before them.
