Primary Session
Mark 6:1-6
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Loving God,
Show us how we can better listen to Your Word.
May our words help bring Your love and kindness to others.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The main theme for today is Prophecy. To begin, invite each child to create a message of hope to bring to someone in a nearby hospital or nursing home. Provide construction paper and crayons or markers. Invite volunteers to share their messages of hope with the large group. Discuss:
• How can words offer hope?
• How can your words show care for others?
• When do you need to hear kind words?
Allow time for discussion. We believe that God's loving Word is spoken to us through the prophets. Jesus is God's Word made flesh.
Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel today listen to find out what happens when Jesus speaks God's Word in his hometown.
Read Mark 6:1-6.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• How does Jesus speak God's Word in the synagogue?
• How do the people react to Jesus' teaching?
• Why is Jesus rejected in his hometown?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.
In today's gospel, Jesus finds out that he is not welcome in his hometown. Jesus goes to the synagogue on the Sabbath to speak God's Word. While Jesus is teaching, the people in his hometown take offense. They cannot understand why Jesus, a carpenter's son, is teaching in the synagogue. Those closest to Jesus reject him and his message.
In today's passage we see how the power of God is at work in the words of Jesus, but the people do not get it. Like the prophets before him, Jesus continues to speak God's word of power, regardless of the people's acceptance or rejection of that word.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• How do you feel when you are rejected?
• What do you think it was like for Jesus to be rejected?
• Why does Jesus continue to speak God's Word?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Prophecy
A prophet is a person called by God to bring a message to God's people. The Old Testament prophets delivered many messages. Some prophets brought messages of hope to God's people during times of suffering. These prophets reminded God's people that God was always with them and always faithful to them, even when they were unfaithful to God. Other Old Testament prophets scolded the people for being unfaithful to God and placing their trust in false Gods. Whether challenging the people or offering comfort, the Old Testament prophets delivered God's message.
We believe that the fullness of God's promise is made clear in Jesus Christ. Jesus fulfills his mission as "the anointed One of God."
• What is a prophet?
• What messages did the Old Testament prophets bring to God's people?
• What do we believe about Jesus?
Sacrament Connection
In Baptism the presider anoints the crown of the head of each of the newly baptized with sacred oil called chrism and prays: The God of power and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has freed you from sin and brought you to new life through water and the Holy Spirit. He now anoints you with the chrism of salvation, so that, united with his people, you may remain forever a member of Christ who is Priest, Prophet, and King.
The Gospel in Life
How can you make someone in your hometown feel welcome this week?
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