Junior High Session
Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9
John 3:16-18
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Father all-powerful, Christ Lord and Savior, Spirit of love,
You reveal yourself in the depths of our being, drawing us to share in your life and your love.
One God, three Persons, be near to the people formed in your image,
close to the world your love brings to life.
Opening Life Reflection
The topic for today is the Holy Trinity. To begin, invite the young people to reflect on the important relationships in their lives. Divide the large group into small groups of three or four and invite the young people to share with one another the relationships that are important to them and why. Discuss:
- Why are the relationships in our lives important?
- How is the Church a community of relationships?
- How are the relationships in our lives and the life of the Church modeled after the Holy Trinity?
Allow time for discussion. The Holy Trinity is our belief that there is one God in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. On Trinity Sunday we celebrate our belief in the Triune God.
Listening to the Word of God
In the first reading from the Old Testament, listen to the faithfulness of God.
Read Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- Why does Moses go up to Mount Sinai?
- How is God’s faithfulness shown to Moses?
- What does Moses ask of God?
In today’s gospel, listen to how God shows his love for the world.
Read John 3:16-18.
Allow for silence.
- How does God show love for the world?
- What does Jesus bring to 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 need 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
- How is God’s forgiveness and love shown in today’s readings?
- Why did God send Jesus into the world?
- What is our response to God’s gift of love?
[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 that there is one God in three persons?
- 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 show God’s love in your relationships with others this week?
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 7
Junior High, Mystery of God, chapter 5
Junior High, Church and Sacraments, chapter 7
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