Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, Primary

Primary Session
Mark 6:7-13

Opening Prayer

Let us pray.
Thank you, God, for choosing us to be members of Your family.
Help us to live as Your children.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is Election and Mission. To begin, gather the children in a circle and play the game "duck, duck, grey duck." Monitor the game so that all the children are chosen at least one time. Discuss:

• What was it like to be chosen?"
• When you were chosen, what did you have to do?
• What does it mean to be chosen by God?

Allow time for discussion. All children are very important and special to God. God loves each of us and calls us by name. We are chosen by God to live as God's children.

Listening to the Word of God
In today's gospel listen to find out how Jesus prepares his disciples to go out into the world?

Read Mark 6:7-13.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• How does Jesus send his disciples out into the world?
• What does Jesus tell them?
• How do the disciples continue Jesus' work on earth?

Scripture Background

Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.

In the gospel today, Jesus sends his followers out into the word to continue his work. Jesus knows that their mission will not be easy. That is why Jesus sends the twelve disciples out two by two. These pairs of friends are sent out to continue Jesus' work of forgiveness, casting out demons, and healing the sick. Jesus prepares his disciples by telling them what to take with them, where to stay, and what to do if they are not welcome.

Today's gospel reminds us that all followers of Jesus are called and sent. Even when it is difficult, the word and power of the Lord is with those who follow him.

Questions for Deeper Reflection

• Why does Jesus send the disciples out two by two?
• How does Jesus prepare them for their mission?
• How is the work of Jesus continued in the world today?

[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Election and Mission
The theme of election runs throughout the Bible in the Old and New Testament. In the Old Testament, God chooses Abraham and Sarah and all their descendants. It is God who first chooses the people of Israel out of love, and God forgives the people for their unfaithfulness. God's chosen people are called to show love for God in return.

In the New Testament Jesus is God's chosen one. Jesus is the Messiah. Early followers of Jesus understood themselves to be God's holy and chosen people because of the love of God shown to them in Jesus Christ. Christians are the new elect made up of people of every nation. Because they are chosen by God, Jesus' followers have a responsibility to live holy lives. Followers of Jesus are called to live the way God wants them to live.

• In the Old Testament, who are God's chosen people?
• Who do we understand Jesus to be?
• How are followers of Jesus called to live in the world?

Sacrament Connection
In the Sacrament of Baptism the newly baptized receive a candle that has been lit from the Easter candle. This baptismal candle symbolizes that the person is joined to Christ, the Light of the World, and he/she is called to live as a child of light in the world.

The Gospel in Life
This week show that you are a child of God by planning an act of kindness for a friend or family member.