Primary Session
Matthew 26:14-27:66 [or (short form) 27:11-54]
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Lord Jesus, all glory and honor are yours.
We thank you and praise you for giving your life for us.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The focus for today is the Lord’s Passion. Begin today’s session by inviting the children to participate in a Hosanna March. Provide tree branches for the children to hold and wave during the march. Explain that people welcomed Jesus into the city of Jerusalem by waving branches from the trees. Play music or sing a “Hosanna” hymn while the children are marching. After the march discuss:
- What does welcoming Jesus with tree branches remind us about him?
- Why does the Church give out palm branches this Sunday?
- How do you show thanks and praise to Jesus?
Allow time for discussion. On Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord we remember the day Jesus came to the city of Jerusalem. The great welcome given to Jesus reminds us that he is the Savior of all.
Listening to the Word of God
In today’s Gospel the people welcome Jesus as he enters the city of Jerusalem. Listen to find out what happens next.
Read Matthew 26:14-27:66 [or (short form) 27:11-54].
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- What happens to Jesus after he enters Jerusalem?
- Why does Jesus suffer and die on the cross?
- What happens after Jesus dies?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the Gospel using the Catechist Background section.
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord is the first day of Holy Week. The focus for today is on Jesus’ special entrance into Jerusalem, and then on his passion and Death. Today, we remember Jesus’ great love for us. By his death and resurrection we share in the gift of new life.
Matthew’s account of the Lord’s passion in today’s Gospel reminds us that long ago the Jewish scriptures announced that a savior would come into Jerusalem just like Jesus did. Because Matthew is writing for Jewish Christians, he wants to show that Jesus is the promised Messiah. The author of today’s gospel makes the point that Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross was not a failure. The passion of Jesus is part of God’s plan for the salvation of the world.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- What are we reminded of on Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord?
- How did Jesus show his great love for us?
- How do we share in Jesus’ gift of new life?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Christ’s Obedience as a Model for Believers
To be obedient means “to hear or listen to.” Jesus hears and obeys God’s plan of salvation. Jesus accepts death on the cross because he obeys the plan of his heavenly Father. Jesus shows us how to listen to and obey God.
The suffering, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus saved all people from sin. The resurrection of Jesus opens the way for us to new life. All this is made possible because of the great love that God has for us.
- How do we learn to listen to and obey God?
- How is God’s great love for us shown through Jesus?
- How do you give Jesus thanks and praise?
The Gospel in Life
How can you tell others about God’s great love for them this week?
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 4
Grade 1, page 261 parish and page 369 school and chapter 5
Grade 2, page 261 parish and page 369 school and chapter 7
Grade 3, page 261 parish and page 369 school and chapter 6
Call Us Today!