Primary Session
Matthew 21:28-32
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Thank you God, for your love and guidance.
Help us to make choices that show our love for you.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The topic for today is moral decision-making. To begin, write three clues to help the children name a famous person on a chalkboard or a sheet of poster paper. Invite the children to identify the person using the clues. Then write down three clues to help the children name Jesus. Invite the children to identify Jesus using the clues. Discuss:
• How did Jesus live in the world?
• How does Jesus want us to live?
• How does Jesus help us to make good choices?
Allow time for discussion. Jesus showed us how to live a life of love. We show our love for God and others when we make good choices.
Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel reading listen to a story about two sons who are faced with a choice.
Read Matthew 21:28-32.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• What does the father ask his sons to do?
• Which son changes his mind?
• What does the story teach about making a good choice?
• What does Jesus teach about the kingdom of God?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel the Catechist Background section.
In today’s gospel Jesus tells a story about two sons who are faced with a moral choice. When the first son is asked to work in the vineyard he tells his father no and then he changes his mind. The second son agrees to go and work, but then he does not go. With this story Jesus helps his listeners see that a person can change and do what is right. Doing the right thing is most important. With today’s parable Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God is available to sinners just as much as it is available to the righteous. All that is needed is a decision for change, a change of mind and heart.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• How do our words and actions show that we follow Jesus?
• Why is doing the right thing important?
• What does it mean to have a change of heart?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Moral Decision Making
For Catholics, Jesus is the first teacher when it comes to living a moral life. During his time on earth Jesus showed us how to live a life of goodness and love. Jesus is not only an example of how to live. His grace and love remains with us, helping us to make good moral choices.
As we grow we learn that we are responsible for our choices. Before we decide to act we can ask God for help. God’s voice calls us to do what is good and to avoid evil. God gives us the gift of our conscience to help us know right from wrong.
To make a good choice we need to stop and think about what we are doing. Moral decisions are the choices we make that show that we love God, others and ourselves. Good moral decisions lead to our happiness.
• What do we need to do before we make a choice?
• What gift does God give us to help us know right from wrong?
• Why is it important to make good moral decisions?
Sacrament Connection
The sacrament of Baptism joins us with Christ. For those who have been baptized, God has revealed a way of living in the world. We live the way of Jesus Christ when we make good moral decisions.
The Gospel in Life
What choices can you make this week that show you follow Jesus?
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