John 16:12-15
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
Today we celebrate our belief in the mystery of the Holy Trinity. The Holy Trinity is our belief that there is only one God, who is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. When we pray the Sign of the Cross we show that we believe in the Holy Trinity. To begin, invite the children to pray the Sign of the Cross.
- What does praying the Sign of the Cross show us about God?
- Who are the three Persons in one God?
- What is your understanding of the Holy Trinity?
Allow time for discussion. We show our belief in the Holy Trinity when we begin our prayers with the Sign of the Cross.
Listening to the Word of God
In the Gospel listen to Jesus describe the Holy Spirit.
Read John 16:12-15.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- What does Jesus tell his disciples about the Holy Spirit?
- Why is the Holy Spirit described as the Spirit of Truth?
- How will the Holy Spirit help the disciples?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel.
In the Gospel today Jesus tells his disciples about the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is described as the Spirit of truth. Jesus tells his disciples that the Spirit does not speak on his own. This shows that the Holy Spirit and Jesus are together as one.
The early followers of Jesus recognized the Spirit of Jesus as a source of truth, comfort and guidance. After the death and resurrection of Jesus, the Holy Spirit gave the disciples a better understanding of all that Jesus had shown them during his ministry. The disciples realized that the Holy Spirit was the one who would bring them to the truth. In today’s gospel Jesus promises that the Spirit will come. By the time this Gospel was written the Christian community understood that the presence of the Holy Spirit was already with them.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- What does this Gospel tell you about the Holy Spirit?
- Why is the Holy Spirit described as the Spirit of truth?
If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
The Holy Trinity
As Christians we believe in one God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We are baptized in the name -- not names -- of God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, for we believe that there is only one God. When we bless ourselves saying, “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” we are professing our belief in the Holy Trinity.
- Who is God the Father?
- Who is God the Son?
- Who is God the Holy Spirit?
The Gospel in Life
Learn more about the Holy Trinity this week. Ask a family member or parish minister to share with you what helps them to understand the mystery of the Trinity.
Connecting to Be My Disciples
Grade 1, p. 65
Grade 2, chapter 3
Grade 3, chapter 1
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Guide, theme 7
Kindergarten, chapter 16
Grade 1, chapter 7
Grade 2, chapter 2
Grade 3, chapter 1
Blest Are We
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Grade 1, chapter 13
Grade 2, chapter 13
Grade 3, chapter 10
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