Intermediate Session
Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9
John 3:16-18
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
God, the Father we thank you for your great love.
God, the Son, we thank you for giving your life to save us.
God, the Holy Spirit, we thank you for guiding us in all things.
In the name of the Blessed Trinity we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The topic for today is the Holy Trinity. To begin draw a picture of a large cross on a sheet of poster paper or chalk board. Invite the children to name the three persons in one God. Brainstorm with the children about each of the three persons in one God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Write down their responses. Discuss:
- Why is God the Father also known as the Creator?
- How does God the Son teach us how to live?
- How does God the Holy Spirit help us to make good choices?
Allow time for discussion. Belief in the Holy Trinity is at the heart of our faith. On Trinity Sunday we celebrate our belief that there is one God in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Listening to the Word of God
In the first reading from the Old Testament, listen to how God’s merciful love is shown to the people.
Read Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- What does Moses bring up to Mount Sinai?
- How is God’s merciful love shown?
- What does Moses ask of God?
In the gospel today, listen to how God’s great love for the world is shown.
Read John 3:16-18.
Allow for silence.
- How is God’s great love for the world shown?
- Why does Jesus come into the world?
- What is given to those who believe in Jesus?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings using the Catechist Background section.
The Old Testament reading today reveals the steadfast love and faithfulness of God. God is shown to be a God of second chances. The stubborn, stiff-necked people of Israel desperately needed a merciful God. They broke the covenant by worshiping a golden calf. Moses is asked by God to bring a second set of blank stone tablets up to Mount Sinai. God appears to Moses and reveals the divine name. Moses bows down to the ground, showing complete obedience to God. Moses asks God to be with them and to forgive their sins. God’s relationship with the people of Israel is renewed.
In today’s gospel, God’s great love for the world is expressed. God sent Jesus into the world to save those who believe. Jesus came not to judge but to save. Jesus was born and his life was sacrificed on the cross so that we might be saved. The gift of Jesus helps us to understand the generous love of God. The response to God’s gift is faith. Faith is our acceptance of the gift of Jesus Christ.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- Why does God give the people of Israel another chance?
- Why did God send Jesus into the world?
- How do we show our thanks to God for sending Jesus to save us?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
The Holy Trinity
When we are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we enter into the salvation offered by God. We are baptized in the name, not the “names,” for we believe that there is only one God, the Father, his beloved Son, and the Holy Spirit—the Most Holy Trinity. Belief in the Trinity is central to our faith because it is the mystery of God’s very self.
We profess our belief in the mystery of the Holy Trinity each time that we bless ourselves saying, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
- Why do we believe in the mystery of the Holy Trinity?
- How do we profess our belief in the Holy Trinity?
- Why is belief in the Trinity central to our faith?
The Gospel in Life
How can you learn more about the Holy Trinity this week?
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 7
Grade 4, chapter 12
Grade 5, chapter 12
Grade 6, chapter 13
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