Primary Session
Matthew 4:1-11
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Loving God, during the season of Lent
help us to pray each day and turn our hearts to you.
Thank you for always loving us.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Opening Life Reflection
On this First Sunday of Lent the theme is Divine Election. To begin, write on top of a large sheet of poster paper “God loves…” Provide paper and crayons for the children and have them create nametags writing their first names. When they have completed their nametags, invite the children to come forward and glue their name on the poster paper under the words “God loves.”
Discuss:
- How does God show love for you?
- How do you show love for God?
- How does the season of Lent help us show our love for God and others?
Allow time for discussion. God loves each one of us and calls us by name. We are called to love God and others. During the season of Lent we are reminded to do many things to show our love for God and others.
Listening to the Word of God
In the Gospel reading listen to how Jesus shows his love for God.
Read Matthew 4:1-11.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- Where does Jesus go for forty days and forty nights?
- How does Jesus show his love for God?
- How does the devil try to tempt Jesus?
- Does Jesus give in to temptation?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the Gospel using the Catechist Background section.
In today’s Gospel story Jesus shows his love for God. Jesus is led into the desert for forty days and forty nights. God sends the Holy Spirit to help Jesus. The devil wants Jesus to turn away from God. Jesus is hungry and the devil offers him bread. The devil tells Jesus to put God to the test, and to worship other gods. But Jesus does not give in to temptation. Jesus does not let the devil get in the way of his love for God.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- Why does God send the Holy Spirit to help Jesus?
- When are you tempted to turn away from God?
- What helps you remember that God loves you?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Divine Election
All human beings are created to love God. God loves us and we are called to love God in return. However, God created us with the freedom to make our own choices and sometimes we choose to sin and turn away from God. However, God refuses to give up on us. God sent Jesus to save us from sin. Jesus did not give in to temptation and he was willing to die for our sins. Jesus shows us how to live as God’s children.
God continues to love the world in spite of sin. Divine Election calls us to go into the world, as Jesus was sent, to be a living sign of hope and love.
- What are all human beings created to do?
- Why does God always love us?
- During the season of Lent, how can you be a sign of love in the world?
The Gospel in Life
Plan what can you do during Lent to show your love for God?
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 26
Kindergarten, page 165
Grade 1, page 251 parish and page 359 school
Grade 2, page 251 parish and page 359 school
Grade 3, page 251 parish and page 359 school
Call Us Today!