Primary Session
John 13:31-33a, 34-35
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
God of Love, may we grow in our love
for you and for one another.
Help us to show our love for others
by what we say and do.
In the name of Jesus we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The focus today is Jesus’ new commandment to “love one another.” To begin invite the children to reflect on ways that they show love for one another. Then have each child join a marching procession around the room. Invite a child to lead by calling out one word that expresses how they show love for others. Have each child follow the leader and call out one word to describe how he/she shows love. Discuss:
- Why did the first disciples follow Jesus?
- How did Jesus show his disciples how to love?
- Why did Jesus give his followers a new commandment to “love one another?”
Allow time for discussion. The first followers of Jesus treated one another with love and care. Jesus gave his disciples a new commandment, to “love one another.” Many people became followers of Jesus because of the love and joy spread by his disciples.
Listening to the Word of God
Listen to the gospel to learn what new commandment Jesus gives his disciples.
Read John 13:31-33a, 34-35.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- What commandment does Jesus give his disciples?
- How does Jesus tell them to love one another?
- How will people know that the disciples are followers of Jesus?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel.
In today’s gospel Jesus tells his disciples that he will be with them only a little while longer. He gives them the greatest commandment, to “love one another.” Jesus shows his disciples how to love through his life, death and resurrection.
Jesus is not only speaking to the first disciples in the gospel passage today; he also is speaking to his followers today. The new commandment to love as Jesus loves is a call to follow the example of Jesus in all that we say and do. This is how all will know that we are followers of Jesus--by the way we love one another.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- Why did people want to follow Jesus?
- How did Jesus show his love for others?
- How can you follow the example of Jesus?
If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
The New Commandment: Love One Another
The new commandment to love one another is a law that has been placed in the hearts of all God’s people. Jesus makes the law new by the example of his life, death and resurrection.
The new law of Jesus is written in our hearts and strengthened by the Holy Spirit. In baptism we “put on” Christ and become a new person. Jesus shows us how to love one another as he himself loves us. As followers of Jesus, love is our mission and the Church helps us to live out our mission in the world.
- How does the Church help us to love others?
- How can you follow Jesus’ commandment to love one another at home?
- How can you follow Jesus’ commandment to love one another at school?
The Gospel in Life
How can you show your love for others this week? How can you encourage others to be more loving?
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 27
Kindergarten, page 169
Grade 1, page 275 Parish and page 379 School
Grade 2, page 275 Parish and page 379 School
Grade 3, page 275 Parish and page 379 School
Blest Are We
Kindergarten, chapter 11
Grade 1, chapter 7
Grade 2, chapters 11, 15
Grade 3, chapter 7
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