Intermediate Session
Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16
John 6:51-58
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Lord God,
in the meal of Eucharist we remember and celebrate your life in us.
Help us to live together as one body in Christ.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The topic for today is the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. To begin, invite the children to create a Unity Poster. At the top of a large sheet of poster paper write “We are United in Christ.” Provide glue, scissors, crayons, and copies of patterns of girl and boy figures. Invite the children to design and decorate a figure, and put their name on it. Then, have the children come forward and attach their figure to the poster with glue. Discuss:
- How are we united with one another?
- How are we united with Jesus Christ?
- How does the meal of Eucharist celebrate our unity?
Allow time for discussion. On today’s feast of the Body and Blood of Christ we recognize our unity as members of the one body of Christ. In the meal of Eucharist we remember and celebrate the presence of Jesus Christ in us.
Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament reading listen to how God provides bread for the people of Israel.
Read Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- How does God provide bread for the people of Israel?
- Why does God feed the people?
- Why are the people reminded of what God has done for them?
In the gospel reading listen to how Jesus is the living bread.
Read John 6:51-58.
Allow for silence.
- How does Jesus describe himself?
- What will happen to those who eat the living bread from heaven?
- What does Jesus tell the people about his flesh and blood?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings using the Catechist Background section.
On the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, the Church celebrates the Lord’s presence in the Eucharist. Each of today’s readings shows some aspect of today’s feast.
The first reading from the Old Testament recalls how God fed the people of Israel. The gift of manna was given to the people of Israel as they traveled in the wilderness. However, the point is made that one can not live on bread alone. The gift of manna is given to the people to help them understand that God’s Word is the true source of life. As Israel relied on manna for life in the desert, so the people must depend on the Word of God.
In today’s Gospel Jesus announces the promise of eternal life. Jesus promises living bread that will be life for the world. Jesus himself is the bread of life. In today’s passage Jesus tell his followers that by eating his flesh and drinking his blood, eternal life will be granted. The people of Jesus’ time found it difficult to understand what he was saying.
This Gospel reveals that in consuming the bread and wine of the Eucharist we are made one with Jesus. Our participation in the Eucharist unites us with Jesus and with one another. When we eat and drink the meal of Eucharist, we show that we are part of the body of Christ.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- What do we celebrate on the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ?
- What do today’s readings teach us about the Eucharist?
- How does participating in the meal of Eucharist unite us as members of the one body of Christ?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
The Real Presence
On today’s feast we are reminded that “when we eat this bread and drink this cup we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, until you come in glory” (Roman Missal, Memorial Acclamation, Eucharistic Prayer). This awesome mystery proclaims that in the sacred meal of Eucharist, although we taste bread and wine, we experience in faith the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We believe that when the Church gathers to celebrate Eucharist, by the power of the Holy Spirit the bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ. Jesus is really present in the Eucharist. Celebrating Eucharist joins us not only to Christ, but also to one another.
- Why do we celebrate the Eucharist?
- What gift do we receive in the Eucharist?
- How does the Eucharist unite us with God and with one another?
The Gospel in Life
What are some ways that you can help feed those who are hungry this week?
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 8
Grade 4, chapter 13
Grade 5, chapter 14
Grade 6, chapter 15
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