Primary Session
Luke 17:11-19
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Thank you God for the beauty of creation.
Thank you God for all your gifts.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is prayer of thanksgiving. To begin write the words “Thank You God For…” on top of a chalkboard or large sheet of paper. Invite the children to brainstorm all the things that they are thankful for. Write down their responses. Discuss:
- What are you most thankful for?
- Do you take the time to thank God?
- How do you give thanks to God?
Allow time for discussion. When we take the time to thank God we pray prayers of thanksgiving. We thank God for our many blessings.
Listening to the Word of God
In the Gospel today Jesus cures ten lepers. Listen to find out who comes back to give thanks.
Read Luke 17:11-19.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- What do the ten lepers ask Jesus to do?
- How does Jesus heal them?
- How many cured lepers come back to thank Jesus?
- What does Jesus tell the Samaritan?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the Gospel.
In the Gospel today Jesus performs a miracle. Ten lepers are cured of their terrible disease but only one comes back to give thanks. The one person to return and give thanks is a Samaritan, a foreigner. The cured Samaritan shows his overwhelming gratitude by coming to Jesus and prostrating himself, lying flat on the ground before him. The thanksgiving that the Samaritan shows is a true sign of faith. Not only is the leper cured but he is saved as well.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- Where do you find signs of God’s love?
- Why do we thank God?
- When do you give thanks to God?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Prayer of Thanksgiving
We pray to God in many ways. In our Catholic tradition there are five basic types of prayer: adoration, petition, intercession, thanksgiving and praise. The scriptures this Sunday show the importance of prayers of thanksgiving.
All of life and creation is a gift from God. The position of the Church is one of thanksgiving for all God’s gifts, especially the gift of Jesus. The word Eucharist is Greek for “thanksgiving."
Every moment and every need is an opportunity to thank God. When we take the time to thank God we show our appreciation for all of life’s blessings.
- How do you like to pray?
- How can you thank God for the gift of Jesus?
- How do you pray prayers of thanksgiving?
The Gospel in Life
Write a thank you card to God this week thanking God for every blessing.
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 16
Kindergarten, chapter 16
Grade 1, chapter 23
Grade 2, chapter 4 and 24
Grade 3, chapter 23
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