Primary Session
John 6:51-58
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Loving God, we are happy to be members of your family.
Help us to live together as your children.
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 draw pictures demonstrating the importance of a family meal at home. Provide blank sheets of white paper and crayons. Discuss:
- What do you like best about sharing a family meal?
- What do you bring to the table when your family shares a meal?
- What do we bring to the table at church when we share the meal of Eucharist?
Allow time for discussion. On today’s feast of the Body and Blood of Christ we celebrate that Jesus is present in the Eucharist. Jesus is also present in the people who gather to celebrate Eucharist. All members of God’s family are united as one body of Christ in the special meal of Eucharist.
Listening to the Word of God
In the Gospel reading listen to how Jesus is the living bread.
Read John 6:51-58.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- What does Jesus tell his followers about bread from heaven?
- What will happen to those who eat the bread from heaven?
- What does Jesus say about his flesh and blood?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel 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.
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 the gift of eternal life will be given. The people of Jesus’ time found it difficult to understand what he was saying.
This Gospel shows that the bread and wine that we share in Eucharist make us one with Jesus. 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
- Why is Jesus called the Bread of Life?
- Why did the people of Jesus’ time have trouble understanding what Jesus was telling them?
- What does today’s Gospel teach us about the Eucharist?
[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 Jesus is truly present with us in a special way in the Eucharist. This mystery of faith 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
How can you make the next time you go to Mass a more meaningful experience?
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 8
Kindergarten, chapter 18
Grade 1, chapters 13 and 18
Grade 2, chapter 15
Grade 3, chapter 13
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