Primary Session
Mark 1:12-15
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
God of Love, our baptism calls us to share Christ’s love with others.
Help us to be loving and caring toward others each day.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The topic for today is Baptismal Covenant. To begin, invite the children to trace the sign of the cross on their foreheads. Explain that by our baptism we belong to God the Father, and God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Provide blank sheets of paper and crayons. Invite the children to draw the sign of the cross. Discuss:
• What does the sign of the cross teach us?
• What happens at our baptism?
• How can we live as God’s children?
Allow time for discussion. Through baptism we become members of God’s family. God promises to love us always.
Listening to the Word of God
In today’s gospel listen to find out what happens when Jesus goes into the wilderness.
Read Mark 1:12-15.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• What happens to Jesus in the wilderness?
• How long is Jesus tempted in the wilderness?
• Who helps Jesus?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.
Today’s gospel briefly shows how Jesus is tempted in the wilderness for forty days. The author of today’s gospel understands that Jesus will struggle against Satan throughout his life and ministry.
The gospel points out that Jesus is not alone with the wild beasts in the wilderness. God’s blessing is with him. The Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness and the angels are sent to help him. Jesus comes back ready to start his public ministry. He urgently tells the people to repent and believe in the good news.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• Who helps you to make good choices?
• Where do you hear the good news about Jesus?
• How can you tell others about Jesus?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Baptismal Covenant
The loving friendship between God and God’s people is everlasting. Throughout history God has kept the promise of unending love for us. God first reaches out to us in friendship and love. We believe that God invites us into a relationship, again and again, no matter how many times we turn away or forget.
We respond to God’s invitation by loving God in return. Christians are joined with God in Christ, through the sacrament of baptism. We are baptized with water in the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Water shows that we are receiving new life with God. Through baptism we become part of God’s family, the Church. We are called to live as children of God.
• How can you respond to God’s invitation to friendship?
• What happens at baptism?
• Why is water used at baptism?
Sacrament Connection
At Baptism we become members of God’s family, the Church. Through baptism we are called to live as God’s children.
The Gospel in Life
How can you live as a child of God this week?
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