Primary Session
John 6:24-35
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Dear Jesus, open our ears to hear your Word.
Open our eyes to see you near. Open our hearts to share your love.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
What is your favorite thing in all of creation? Why? Who created your favorite thing? All of your favorite things were created by God the Creator. They are signs of God’s presence on Earth!
Listening to the Word of God
In today’s Gospel, there are people who believe in Jesus just enough to get into a boat and follow him, but they still aren’t quite sure that he really is the one in whom they should believe. They want Jesus to give them a sign.
Read John 6:24-35. Allow time for silent reflection.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- The people asked Jesus, “What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you?” Think about the stories you know about Jesus. What signs had Jesus already given to the people? (He healed the sick, fed the hungry, taught the people, forgave sinners, etc.)
- The people called Jesus Rabbi, or “Teacher.” Who are the people who have taught you about God, and who teach you about God today? What are some of the things you have learned from them?
Scripture Background
One of the signs the people recalled was God giving their ancestors manna in the desert. But they are forgetting that, even back then, their ancestors complained about that manna. They got tired of it. In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of the true bread of God which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. We receive this bread of heaven, the Body of Christ, when we receive Holy Communion.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- Besides creation, what other signs of God’s presence have I seen?
- Do I ever grumble and complain to God? About what?
- What can I do this week to share God’s presence with someone who is sad, or lonely, or sick?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to The Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Caring for God’s Creation
A few weeks ago (on the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time) you were reminded that God is the author of all life, and that every life is sacred. Every person on Earth is a part of God’s wonderful creation, worthy of our care and respect. In today’s Life Reflection we named our favorite things in creation and acknowledged God as the Creator of all that we named and more. One of the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching is Caring for God’s Creation. God has given us the responsibility to protect the environment, all of God’s creatures, and one another. Again reflect on the questions you were given just a few weeks ago.
- What are some areas of creation that are at risk today?
- Who are some people you see working with God to protect and care for creation?
- What are you doing to help God protect and care for creation?
Sacrament Connection
Baptism is the Sacrament that gives us new life in Christ. As a part of the celebration of the Sacrament, and as a part of the renewal of our baptismal promises at Easter time, we are asked if we reject Satan and all of his works and all of his empty promises, and if we believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. As we think about those grumbling ancestors in the desert mentioned in today’s Gospel, it would be good to consider what attitudes we need to reject, and where we need to again profess our faith in God, who has provided for our every need by sending us Jesus, the Bread of Life.
The Gospel in Life
Life is so busy, and time passes by so quickly. Take time out this week to write a thank you note or two to those who have taught you about God, and who teach you about God today. Be sure and tell them what you have learned from their teaching and from their example as a follower of Christ.
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