Primary Session
John 20:1-9
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
God of life, thank for raising Jesus from death to new life.
Help us remember all the gifts of life that you have given us.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The focus for today is the resurrection of Jesus. Begin by inviting the children to color Easter eggs. Provide hard-boiled eggs and egg coloring materials. Explain that eggs are signs of new life. Out of the egg hatches a precious new life. On Easter we color eggs to symbolize the joy of Easter. Discuss:
- Why is Easter a celebration of new life?
- Why is Easter a time of joy?
- What do we celebrate on Easter?
Allow time for discussion. God raised Jesus to new life. On Easter we celebrate the gift of new life that we share with Jesus.
Listening to the Word of God
In the Gospel today listen to the story of the resurrection.
Read John 20:1-9.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- Who goes to Jesus’ tomb early in the morning?
- What do Peter and the other disciple discover when they go to the tomb?
- Who is the first to believe in the resurrection of Jesus?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.
In today’s Gospel the joyful story of the resurrection of Jesus unfolds. Mary Magdalene makes an early morning visit to Jesus’ tomb only to find that the stone has been removed. Quickly, she tells the story to Peter and the beloved disciple and they go to the tomb. The beloved disciple reaches the tomb first, yet allows Peter to enter before him. Both enter the tomb, but only the beloved disciple sees and believes. The writer of today’s gospel makes the point that because of the beloved disciple’s love for Jesus, he comes more quickly to believe that Jesus is risen. The early morning discovery of Jesus’ empty tomb represents the disciple’s gradual understanding that Jesus was raised from death to new life.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- What is the resurrection?
- Why is the resurrection of Jesus so important?
- What does the Church celebrate during Easter?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
“On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the scriptures…”
The love that God has for us does not end with the death of Jesus on the cross. God raised Jesus to new life. The Risen Lord is not a ghost who appears to the disciples. Jesus did not simply come back to life; the resurrection of Jesus is a passing over from death into a new and glorious life
In Baptism we are joined to Christ. In the waters of Baptism we die to sin and rise to new life. During the Easter season, we celebrate this gift of new life. We remember that we share in the new life of Jesus through Baptism.
- What happens at our baptism?
- Why do we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection?
- How does your family celebrate Easter?
The Gospel in Life
This week look around you for signs of new life. Thank God for all the gifts of life you notice.
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 27
Kindergarten, page 169
Grade 1, page 267 parish and page 371 school and chapter 5
Grade 2, page 267 parish and page 371 school and chapter 7
Grade 3, page 267 parish and page 371 school and chapter 6
Call Us Today!