Primary Session
John 17:1-11
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Loving God,
You welcomed us to your family at our Baptism.
Help us be faithful members of that family.
Give us courage to do the right thing so that we can show others your love.
Help us not to be selfish so that others don’t want to be with us.
Thank you for showing us how to love one another.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
Communication is an important way to increase unity. Choose a few simple phrases such as hello, welcome, I love you, God bless you. Learn to say these phrases in as many languages as you can. Children may ask people they know or members of their own families how to say these phrases in the language of their heritage. Don’t forget to include sign language.
- Why is it important that we understand each other when we talk?
- How do you feel when someone speaks in a language you don’t understand?
- What can you do to be sure others feel included when you are speaking?
Listening to the Word of God
Jesus prays to God. In his prayer he looks forward to returning to God. He also asks God to help the disciples. The disciples will remain on earth. They will continue the work Jesus began.
Read John 17:1-11
Allow for silence
Scripture Discussion Starters
- What is glory? What do you think Jesus’ glory is?
- Why does Jesus ask God to help the disciples be one?
- In what ways are we like these first disciples?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.
Although it is time for Jesus to return to God and the readings in the past weeks lead to Jesus’ return to God, this Gospel passage returns to an earlier time. Just before Jesus is arrested, he prays asking that God will protect and strengthen the disciples. Jesus knows that the work he was sent to do is finished on earth. It is now the responsibility of the disciples to carry on the mission. In his prayer, Jesus also asks God to unite the disciples so that they are one, just as Jesus and God are one.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- What have you done that shows Jesus’ glory to others?
- What special help does the Holy Spirit give you to do something that is hard?
- Why is it important that we are all one body, united together in God’s family?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Christian Unity
One of the chief characteristics of the Catholic Church is unity. We first see unity in the three persons of God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each believer is bound to Christ and one another as members of God’s family. Because we are human and not perfect, sometimes we forget that we are all one body. Through our sinfulness we separate ourselves from each other and from God. Jesus prayed for the disciples and for us, too, that we stay united and care for each other. One of the ways we can do this is by praying together. Our prayer focuses on the common goal of being faithful to Jesus and the mission he began here on earth. With the help of one another, we have the strength and courage to continue sharing the Good News of Jesus.
- How do our actions show others that we are part of the Body of Christ?
- How does prayer deepen our relationship with Jesus?
- What happens when we forget to care about other members of God’s family? How does unity help us care for one another?
Sacrament Connection
In baptism, we are welcomed into the family of God. We become part of the Body of Christ. At our baptism, we receive the Holy Spirit and it is with the help of the Spirit that we have strength, courage, and wisdom to lead others to Christ. Baptism opens the way for us to participate in other sacraments that help unify us as one, particularly Eucharist in which all gather around the one table of the Lord.
The Gospel in Life
Have you hurt someone recently because you were thinking only of yourself? What can you do to be united with that person today? Think of an action you can do to that shows you are a member of God’s family.
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
Kindergarten, chapter 15
Grade 1, chapter 8, and page 279 school edition and page 383 parish edition
Grade 2, chapter 10, and page 279 school edition and page 383 parish edition
Grade 3, chapter 8, and page 279 school edition and page 383 parish edition
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