Intermediate Session
Zechariah 9:9-10
Matthew 11:25-30
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Creator God, you have created us male and female.
Everything you have created is good.
Help us to show respect for one another.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The topic for today is the virtue of chastity. To begin, divide a large sheet of poster paper into four squares. Put the following headings in each square: Actions that show respect for myself, Actions that show respect for others, Actions that show disregard for myself, Actions that show disregard for others. Invite the children to look at each heading and reflect on their actions at home, in school and with friends. Brainstorm with the children actions for each heading and write down their responses in the appropriate boxes. Discuss:
- How did Jesus treat all people?
- How can our actions show that we are followers of Jesus?
- What is chastity?
Allow time for discussion. The virtue of chastity helps us respect others and ourselves and it helps us share our love with others in proper ways.
Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament reading today, listen to Zechariah announce the coming of a king.
Read Zechariah 9:9-10.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- How does Zechariah announce the coming of a king?
- How does Zechariah describe the king?
- What will this king bring to the people?
In the gospel today listen to how Jesus gives his followers a comforting message.
Read Matthew 11:25-30.
Allow for silence.
- What does Jesus say about his relationship with God the Father?
- Who does God reveal things to?
- What comforting message does Jesus give his followers?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings using theCatechist Background section.
In today's first reading from the Old Testament, Zechariah announces the arrival of a great king. According to Zechariah, this king will be like no other. This is a king whose greatness is found in his humility. The king is portrayed as meek and humble rather than as a powerful military or political leader. Zechariah proclaims the coming of a "just savior" who will banish the weapons of war and bring peace.
In today's gospel, Jesus is presented as Wisdom made flesh. He suggests that Wisdom is given as a gift to the "merest children" and it is not the result of the labors of the learned and the clever. Jesus reveals his special relationship with the Father by saying that his Father has given "everything" over to him. In the gospel today Jesus gives his listeners a comforting message. He invites the people who are burdened to come follow him. Following Jesus is easy and the burden is light because it is fueled by love. Jesus lets us know that if we turn to him, he will always be with us helping us through the tough times.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- How is Jesus like the king described in the Old Testament reading?
- What does it mean to be meek and humble?
- How can Jesus help you with your burdens?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to theGospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Chastity
God has created human beings as both male and female. Everything God created is good. God has created all human beings with the capacity to love and share and reach out in communion with one another. There is a connection between what we feel, who we are, and how we are built, that leads to this call to love and share. The Church describes the virtue of chastity as the integration of one's sexuality within the whole person; such that an inner unity of body, mind, spirit, and soul is attained (CCC 2337).
As a whole person, we are called to live in Christ. As followers of Christ we are called to practice the virtue of chastity. The virtue of chastity helps us respect ourselves and share our love with each other in appropriate ways. Jesus treated all people with respect and love. We are called to treat others with love and respect as Jesus did.
- Why is the virtue of chastity important?
- What kind of messages about chastity do you receive from the media?
- How does showing respect for others show our love for God?
Correlation to Faith First©
Faith First Grade 4, Chapter 21, pp. 216-217
Faith First Grade 5, Chapter 23, pp. 233-237
Faith First Grade 6, Chapter 22
The Gospel in Life
This week watch television together with your family and try to find stories of people who practice the virtue of chastity.
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