Primary Session
Luke 24:46-53
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Loving God,
We know that Jesus is with you heaven.
We know that he is with us, too, in Spirit.
Thank you for giving us Jesus to help us be strong and do the right things.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
Give participants time to think about ways they might show Jesus’ love to others. Go around the room and have each person say one way that he or she will show love that begins with the first letter of his/her name. For example, Mary might make her brother’s bed. Or Sam might sweep and older neighbor’s sidewalk. After everyone has shared a response, ask:
Check back in a few days or the next time everyone is together and share experiences of this activity.
Listening to the Word of God
Listen to what Jesus tells the disciples before he returns to God. See how he encourages them to carry on.
Read Luke 24:46-53
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.
Jesus knows it’s time to return to his Father. He wants to be sure his work continues. He tells the disciples that they are to tell people about Jesus and his message. Jesus promises them that the Holy Spirit will help them. They should wait in Jerusalem until the Spirit comes. The Apostles are still not exactly sure what the kingdom is like that Jesus is going to, but they are happy to do what Jesus asks.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Jesus Ascended into Heaven
Scripture tells us that Jesus would return to God. He would leave his human form and not live on earth any more. This is part of God’s plan for us to be with God, too. Like Jesus, we will also be raised up to live with God. We say these words in the Nicene Creed, our profession of faith: “He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.” In the meantime, we believe that Jesus is still with us, providing strength for our journey. In the same way he promised to be with the disciples, he is with us as well. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit so that the disciples would not be alone in their mission to carry Jesus’ message into the world. We also receive the Holy Spirit and always have Jesus with us as we follow him.
Sacrament Connection
When we are baptized into God’s family, we receive the Holy Spirit. Later when we are confirmed, we will be sealed with the gifts of the Spirt. Through these sacraments, we have the strength to live like Jesus wants us to and to tell others about Jesus. It’s not always easy to follow Jesus but these sacraments give us the gifts we need to be disciples. We receive courage, wisdom and good judgment for making decisions. When people see how we use these gifts in our own lives, they know Jesus through us.
The Gospel in Life
Jesus encouraged his friends and gave them a blessing. Find someone this week who needs special help and encouragement. Let them see Jesus’ love through something you do to help them.
Connecting to Be My Disciples
Grade 1, p. 59
Grade 2. p. 65
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy EditionAt Home Family Guide, theme 3
Kindergarten, chapter 1
Grade 1, chapter 6
Grade 2, chapter 8
Grade 3, chapter 6
Blest Are We
Kindergarten, chapter 12
Grade 1, chapter 12
Grade 2, chapter 16
Grade 3, chapter 15