STORIES

OF OLD
PARABLES
EDGE NIGHT OUTLINE

SCRIPTURE # 1439 SUPPLIES NEEDED

Matthew 13:10-17 # 2463 • Notebook Paper
Matthew 13:51 # 2613 • Pens/pencils
Mark 4:2 # 2707 • Blank paper
Mark 4:13 # 2843 • Crayons/markers
Mark 4:33-34 • Bibles
YOUCAT • Projector/computer
CATECHISM # 227
# 605 # 314
# 633

GOAL and symbols of those who were in His audience

The goal of this Edge Night is to help the youth to help them better understand His message.
learn and know the purpose of the parables that
Jesus used throughout His public ministry. The youth will begin the Edge Night with a chance
to tell a story in small group that is supposed to
teach a lesson, but may actually prove to be quite
EDGE NIGHT AT A GLANCE funny. This will transition into the Proclaim where
Parables in the simplest definition are metaphors
the youth will hear and see a couple of parables
drawn from ordinary life that help the hearer or
before a Core Member shares more in depth
reader to learn a spiritual lesson. It is important
OUTLINE

about the purpose of parables. In small group,

to note, Jesus did not necessarily believe that
the youth will have a time to discuss parables,
parables were simple nor that every individual
share what they know about parables, and use
would properly understand each parable. The
their creative skills to draw a parable. Conclude
Greek word parabolh (parabolē) is used a total of
the Edge Night with a Lectio Divina (or meditation
50 times in the New Testament (13 times in Mark,
STORIES OF OLD

on Scripture). Be sure to send the youth home

17 in Matthew, 18 in Luke, and twice in Hebrews,
with a challenge to read a parable on their own
but never in John). Parables, however, were used
and ask the Holy Spirit to help them understand
to convey a message with a spiritual significance.
the parable and what it teaches them about God.
While some of the elements might seem strange
to a 20th Century Christian, Jesus used situations

64 EDGE SEMESTER PLANNING GUIDE

BEFORE THE NIGHT
Be sure to preview the short videos suggested
in the Media section. These will be good to show
the youth to help them understand one of the
parables, but also to help with the small group
activity. Have your projector, speakers, and
computer set and ready to go before the Edge
Night begins.
ENVIRONMENT
Think storytelling! Imagine the room in the public
library where children can go and hear a story.
Have a larger carpet or blanket on the ground,
a rocking chair, a few lamps, and books on
GATHER
WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS
(10 min)
As the youth enter, have fun upbeat music playing
in the background.
The youth minister should gather all the youth
together, welcome them to Edge Night, and lead
an opening prayer. He or she should introduce
any youth at Edge Night for the first time and
present a brief overview of the session.
TELL A STORY
(10 min)
Give each small group a piece of paper and each
youth a pen/pencil. Instruct the youth that they
are to tell a story with a purpose – with a twist.
The first person in the small group will write the
opening sentence for the story that will be told.
The first person writes only one sentence. When
he/she finishes writing the first sentence, he/she
folds the paper backwards right below his/her
sentence. Then pass the paper to the next youth
who will write the second sentence. The second
person may look back at what the first youth
EDGE SEMESTER PLANNING GUIDE
bookshelves at the front of the room. This would
be a great night for the Core Team to bring a large
blanket for their small group to sit on together
during the Proclaim.
MEDIA SUGGESTIONS
Video: “Parable of the Sower.mpg” (www.youtube.
com/watch?v=V9IOhGPrRvY by RodTheNey)
Video: “Parable of the Lost Sheep.mpg” (www.
youtube.com/watch?v=tyWZeOlaRo4&feature=p
lcp by RodTheNey)
wrote and then writes the second sentence of the
story. He/she then folds the first sentence back
and the second sentence is folded back as well
(covering sentence number one). The third youth
may look at the second sentence and construct
the next line of the story, but may not look back
at the first. Continue this process until each youth
in the group has had a chance to write at least
one sentence. Remember, there must a purpose
or lesson to the story that is told.
SHARE A STORY
(5 min)
As time permits, allow groups to share their
stories with the large group. When possible, stop
to ask the large group what lesson was learned
when they heard the story being read.
OUTLINE
PROCLAIM
SCRIPTURE PROCLAMATION
STORIES OF OLD
(5 min)
Matthew 13:1-9
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 VIDEO INTRO story. And Jesus also was sure to use elements
(5 min) that were important to the people with whom He
was speaking – agriculture, pig farms (prodigal
If you have video capabilities, consider using son), lost coins, sheep, etc. Since these things
either the video in the Media Suggestion or one were a part of the listener’s every day life, they
that your Core Team has created. could better understand what Jesus was trying to
say. Just as when we tell stories today, we include
things like iPods, Facebook, and relevant things
“STORIES OF OLD” TEACHING that are happening in your life.
(10 min)
The beautiful thing about the parables is that
Ask the Group
even today we can understand the message
What do you think was the purpose of the video
Jesus was trying to tell us. We may have to seek
that we just watched? What are the lessons we are
to understand some parts of the parable, but the
supposed to learn from that? (Allow the youth to
basic message is there for us to understand. For
share their responses.) Now, we if we look at that
instance, the parable of the prodigal son – we can
video from a Christian point of view and learn a
understand that the son did not treat his father
spiritual lesson from it – what would you say the
with respect, blew all his money, and ended up
lesson is then? (Again, allow the youth to share
homeless. We can also understand the father’s
their responses – try to direct them in finding the
love for his son when he sees his son returning
spiritual significance in the video.)
home. There are some things about the parable,
however, that we may not know right away, but
Parables
when we learn, it helps us understand the depth
Here is something that will probably not shock
of the parable and the depth of God’s great love.
you – Jesus taught His followers using parables.
For instance, when the son asks his dad for his
The “parable of the prodigal son,” “parable of
share of the inheritance, the son is basically saying
the good Samaritan,” “parable of the lost coin,”
that his father is dead to him – think about it, you
“parable of the lost sheep,” – can you name any
usually receive an inheritance after someone dies.
others? (Affirm any correct answers from the
Also, when Jesus told the parable and states that
youth.)
the son ends up feeding the pigs, the listeners of
Jesus’ time would have been shocked to hear that
It is important for us to understand that parables
because they considered pigs so unclean, thus
are not simple little stories with a quaint little
making the son unclean for even being around
moral message attached. We may have heard
the pigs. But note, even though the son has done
some of the parables over and over and so we
all of this, the father is waiting on the porch for
have stopped listening to the deeper meaning.
his son to come home and runs out to him “while
Parables have depth and have a serious spiritual
he is still a long way off.” No matter how unclean
meaning to them. There are usually many layers
or sinful the son was, the father ran out to meet
and many characters to look at in each parable
him and forgave him. Jesus is telling us, through
to come to a fuller understanding. Take for
this parable, how much God the Father loves us –
instance the “parable of the prodigal son.” If you
He is constantly on the lookout for us and when
are familiar with the story, you may only focus
we return to Him (such as in the Sacrament of
on the son who takes his dad’s money, wastes
OUTLINE

Reconciliation), there is much rejoicing in heaven

it on worldly pleasures, and then realizes he has
over us.
sinned and comes back to his father. But there
are other characters in the story – the father, the
Think about it – if I stood up here and said a
other son, even the servants.
few times that God loves you – you may have a
STORIES OF OLD

hard time believing it. In fact, many of you might

Why Parables?
tune out. However, when hearing the message
Most of us like to hear a story! Sometimes when
of God’s love told to us through a parable, we
we hear someone talking, we may tune him/her
begin to hear and experience the depth of God’s
out; however, when that person begins telling
love. Read the parables and ask questions about
a story, we seem to tune back in – especially if
things you do not understand or that seem a
that story includes us. Jesus knew how to tell a

66 EDGE SEMESTER PLANNING GUIDE

part of Jesus’ world but not yours (shepherding
for instance). The parables are there to help you
know and learn about the kingdom of God and
God’s great love for you.
BREAK
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
(15 min)
As your small group begins, say a prayer for the
group and the activities for that session. Re-read
Matthew 13:1-9
Discuss the following questions:
• In your own words, what is a parable?
• Why did Jesus use parables to teach His
followers?
• What are some ways to look more deeply at the
parables that Jesus gave to us in the Gospels?
• What does the Gospel Proclamation (the
Scripture we re-read at the beginning of small
group) teach us about the Word of God (Bible)?
• Place yourself in the place of the seed that falls
on the ground, but is eaten by birds – what
would this experience be like? What is Jesus
teaching us about the Word of God (Bible)? (See
Matthew 13:19)
• Place yourself in the place of the seed that falls
on rocky ground – what would this experience
be like? What is Jesus teaching us about the
Word of God? (See Matthew 13:20-21)
• Place yourself in the place of the seed that falls
among thorns – what would this experience be
like? What is Jesus teaching us about the Word
of God? (See Matthew 13:22)
• Place yourself in the place of the seed that falls
on good soil – what would this experience be
like? What is Jesus teaching us about the Word
of God? (See Matthew 13:23)
EDGE SEMESTER PLANNING GUIDE
• Which of the “seeds” from the parable would
you associate with the most (seed that falls and
eaten by bird, falls on rocky ground, falls among
thorns, or falls on good soil)?
MODERN ADAPTATION
OF A PARABLE
(15 min)
The youth will have heard Matthew 13:1-9 several
times by the time they reach this activity. However,
you may want to have Bibles available for the
youth to refer back to the parable throughout this
activity or you may select another parable for the
youth to focus on as well.
Give each youth a sheet of blank paper. Have the
youth hold the paper “long” ways and then fold
the paper in half (so that the paper is still “long”
ways or some people call it “hot dog” style). Then
fold the paper in half – this time connecting the
two short sides together (folding it on the shorter
ends – hamburger style). Fold it this way one
more time – this should give you eight squares.
The youth will use the squares to draw a modern
day version of the parable of the seeds (Matthew
13:1-9). Have the youth use examples from
school, movies, music, or other media that help
to explain what happens to some when they hear
the Word of God. Be sure that the youth keep the
spiritual importance of the parable.
SEND
CLOSING PRAYER
(15 min)
*If you are using this curriculum in one semester, OUTLINE
you will note this night follows the Edge Night
on Lectio Divina called CROSSwords. The youth
should be familiar with the Lectio Divina from that
Edge Night. However, If you are using this Edge
STORIES OF OLD
Night on its own, it is suggested to at least read
through the Edge Night called CROSSwords to
have a better understanding of Lectio Divina and
to have a brief explanation for the youth as to
what a Lectio Divina prayer is and how it is done.
67
 Step 1: Lectio
The first step in Lectio Divina is called Lectio, which
means reading and listening. Read Matthew
13:18-23 slowly – encourage the youth to listen
carefully for what God may be whispering in their
hearts.
Step 2: Meditatio
The second step is called Meditatio, meaning
meditation. At this point, re-read Matthew 13:18-
23. This time encourage the youth to pick out a
particular word or phrase that stands out to them
from the reading.
Step 3: Oratio
After the youth get their word or phrase, move
on to the next step: Oratio, which means prayer.
Read the Scripture passage (Matthew 13-18-23)
one more time and, with the word or phrase in
mind, discuss it with God. Ask the youth these
questions: What is He trying to say to you through
this word or phrase? How does it relate to your
life?
Step 4: Contemplatio
Now, it’s time for the final step in Lectio Divina,
which is called Contemplatio or contemplation.
Once again read Matthew 13:18-23, but there’s no
agenda or list of questions. Invite the youth into
a few moments of silence to contemplate God’s
goodness, His message, and His great love for
each youth.
SUMMARY CHALLENGE
Before the middle school youth are sent home,
they will be challenged to remember:
• Jesus used parables to teach His followers about
God’s love, the kingdom of God, and how we are
to treat others.
OUTLINE
• Parables are not merely stories, but rather they
are a teaching with a spiritual purpose.
• The parables can be seen from the perspective of
each character – each allowing us to learn more
STORIES OF OLD
about our spiritual life.
• This week, pick one of the parables in the Gospel
of Matthew, Mark, or Luke and read through
it carefully. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you
68 EDGE SEMESTER PLANNING GUIDE
understand the parable more deeply and how
you can apply it to your life.
TO THE PARENTS OF
Tonight’s Edge session broke open the parables
of Jesus. Throughout the Gospels of Matthew,
Mark, and Luke, we have over 40 parables that
Jesus used to teach his followers – they were
stories that Jesus told to teach about the kingdom
of God (kingdom of God is like a mustard seed
or a lost coin), about living the Christian life (the
parable of the Good Samaritan), and about God’s
great love for us (the parable of the lost sheep
or the parable of the prodigal son). Many of the
elements in the parables are from Jesus’ time/era,
however the messages are timeless. If we spend
time reading and studying the parables, we can
come to a better understanding of what Jesus
was teaching through each parable. Your child
was challenged this week to read through one or
more of the parables – take some time to do this
as a family!
Here are some questions to help start a
conversation with your youth about what he/she
learned during Edge:
• What did you learn about parables tonight?
• Why did Jesus teach using parables?
• How do parables help us learn about the
kingdom of God and about God’s great love for
us?
• Is there a parable you would like to learn and
know more about?
ADAPTATION IDEAS
• If you are unable to use video for your Edge
Night, have one or two of your Core Members
rehearse and practice one or two of the
parables and share the parables right before
the Proclaim.
• If you have more time, you could have the youth
come up with a modern day interpretation of
one of the parables and do a short skit using
a modern day setting. Be sure to keep the
important spiritual lessons that are to be
learned from the parable.
STORIES OF OLD CHECKLIST
EDGE NIGHT CHECKLIST
CORE PLANNING TEAM:
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
DATE OF LIFE NIGHT:
____________________________________________
ONE MONTH PRIOR TO THE NIGHT:
⃞ Give copes of the Edge Night to each of the
members of the planning team. Each person
should read the Scripture, Catechism, and
YOUCAT references as well as review the
planning guide before the brainstorming
meeting.
⃞ Have the planning team meet for a
brainstorming meeting (this should last no
longer than 1 hour). The team prays and
discusses where the youth are in their faith
journey in relation to this topic. Using this
planning guide as a starting point, the team
adapts the Edge Night to meet the needs of the
youth and the parish.
⃞ Assign the person responsible for the following:
Environment ________________________________
Before the Night (when needed) _______________
Audio/Visual Needs __________________________
Opening Prayer ______________________________
Scripture Proclamation ________________________
Proclaim (discuss with YM) ____________________
Summary Challenge __________________________
EDGE SEMESTER PLANNING GUIDE
TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO EDGE NIGHT:
⃞ Turn in your notes for the Edge Night to the
youth minister. Allow the youth minister to
give feedback and make necessary changes.
⃞ Create a list of needed supplies and materials.
Assign a person to be responsible for collecting
and/or purchasing the items needed.
⃞ Discuss with the youth minister who will be
giving the Proclaim/witness for the Edge Night.
Be sure that this person is given the script and/
or teaching. Inform them of any practices, time
limits, and/or deadlines.
WEEK OF THE EDGE NIGHT:
⃞ Person giving Proclaim checks in with youth
minister.
⃞ Check that all supplies have been obtained/
purchased.
⃞ Create/collect items for environment. Have
volunteers ready to help if needed.
⃞ Email Core Team an overview of the Edge Night.
DAY OF THE EDGE NIGHT:
⃞ Set up the environment. Make sure the room is
clean and presentable.
⃞ If needed, set up audio/visual equipment. Test
the video clips to make sure both picture and
CHECKLIST
sound work.
⃞ Pray! Pray for the youth attending the Edge
Night. Pray for God’s will to be done through
the night. Pray over those involved.
STORIES OF OLD
69
 STORIES OF OLD EVALUATION

EDGE NIGHT EVALUATION

INSTRUCTIONS:
Use the following questions to discuss and evaluate your Edge Night.

1. On a scale of 1-10, how well did this Edge 1. On a scale of 1-10, how well did this Edge
Night accomplish the goal we set? Explain. Night accomplish the goal we set? Explain.

2. What was the strongest aspect of this Edge 2. What was the strongest aspect of this Edge
Night? Night?

3. What kind of follow-up do we need to do 3. What kind of follow-up do we need to do

after this Edge Night? after this Edge Night?

4. What can we improve for future Edge Nights? 4. What can we improve for future Edge Nights?
How can we accomplish this? How can we accomplish this?

1. On a scale of 1-10, how well did this Edge 1. On a scale of 1-10, how well did this Edge
Night accomplish the goal we set? Explain. Night accomplish the goal we set? Explain.

2. What was the strongest aspect of this Edge 2. What was the strongest aspect of this Edge
Night? Night?
EVALUATION

3. What kind of follow-up do we need to do 3. What kind of follow-up do we need to do

after this Edge Night? after this Edge Night?
STORIES OF OLD

4. What can we improve for future Edge Nights? 4. What can we improve for future Edge Nights?
How can we accomplish this? How can we accomplish this?

70 EDGE SEMESTER PLANNING GUIDE