Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
God of Light,
let your light shine through our good and loving actions.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The topic for today is the Church’s social teaching. To begin, write the words light and darkness on top of a chalkboard or poster paper. Brainstorm with the children what comes to mind when they think of the word light. Then ask what comes to mind when they think of the word darkness. Write down their responses. Explain that God wants his children to be the light of the world. Discuss:
- What good works bring light into the world?
- Who are the people you know that work to bring light into the world’s darkness?
- How can you help to bring the light of God’s love into the world?
Allow time for discussion. All God’s children are called to be the light of the world. The Church’s social teaching shows us how to live as God’s children.
Listening to the Word of God
In the today’s Gospel, listen to what Jesus tells his followers about letting their light shine.
Read Matthew 5:13-16.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- What does Jesus tell his followers about letting their light shine?
- What happens when people let their light shine in the world?
- How can Jesus’ followers give glory to God?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the Gospel using the Catechist Background section.
In today’s Gospel Jesus tells his followers to let their light shine. By following Jesus’ new commandment to love one another the disciples bring light into the darkness. Their love and goodness help to change the world.
The call to be the light of the world found in today’s passage includes the task of caring for the poor. When we help those in need, we allow God’s love to shine. God’s love changes the world. Followers of Jesus are called to spread the light of God’s love and make the world a better place..
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- How do people who help the poor let their light shine?
- How can you let your light shine?
- Where do you see signs that people are following Jesus’ commandment to love one another?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
The Social Teaching of the Church: Preferential Option for the Poor
The Church has always been concerned with the needs of the poor and the rights of all human beings. The Catholic Church developed a social teaching to show us how to live Jesus’ new commandment to love one another.
The call to love one another includes serving the poor and working to end poverty. The Church teaches us to keep the needs and concerns of the poor in mind when we make decisions. When we help the poor and work to end poverty, we let the light of God’s love shine for all to see. When we let our light shine, we give glory to God.
- Why does Jesus want us to care for the poor?
- What does the Church’s social teaching show us?
- How does the Church work to end poverty?
Faith First©
Faith First© At Home Family Guide theme 13
Faith First© Kindergarten chapter 21
Faith First© Grade 1 chapters 5 & 20
Faith First© Grade 2 chapter 20
Faith First© Grade 3 chapter 20
The Gospel in Life
How can you show love for others this week—especially the poor?
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