Primary Session
Matthew 21:33-43
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Thank you God, for flowers, plants and everything that grows.
Help us to care for all creation.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The topic for today is divine justice and judgment. To begin draw a large vine on a sheet of poster paper. Provide the children with markers, scissors, and grape cluster outlines on purple construction paper. Invite the children to cut out their grape cluster and write their name on it. Provide tape and invite the children to come forward and tape their grape clusters to the vine. Discuss:
• How do grapes grow?
• Why does a vineyard need care?
• Why is it important to care for God’s creation?
Allow time for discussion. God wants us to care for and respect the blessings of creation. When we treat living things with care and respect, we produce good fruit for God’s kingdom.
Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel today, listen to Jesus tell a story about a vineyard.
Read Matthew 21:33-43.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• What story does Jesus tell?
• What do the tenants do to the vineyard owner’s servants and son?
• What will the vineyard owner do to the tenants?
• What does Jesus teach about God’s kingdom?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel the Catechist Background section.
In today’s gospel we hear a story of a landowner and a vineyard. Jesus tells this parable to warn the chief priests and elders of his time that they were destroying the vineyard. He points out that their responsibility was to care for the vineyard and grow good grapes. With the example of a landowner and a vineyard, Jesus shows the importance of respecting life. Today’s gospel warns all believers that the kingdom of God will be taken away from those who do not care for it and given to people who bear good fruit.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• How do you show respect for people?
• How do you show respect for animals?
• How do you show respect for the planet?
• How do you show care for God’s kingdom?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Divine Justice and Judgment
God is our Creator who rules over all things. God is good, and created the world in goodness. God wants us to live in the world as God’s children. God wants us to make good choices that respect life.
We can grow in our ability to make right choices. Sometimes we make wrong choices. When we choose to turn away from God and commit sin, we hurt our relationship with God and others. God offers us the forgiveness of sins through the death and resurrection of Jesus. If we sin, we can accept the forgiveness that God offers.
• What does God offer us if we sin?
• How does God want us to live in the world?
• How do you show care and respect for others?
Sacrament Connection
Through the sacrament of Baptism, we are called to live as God’s children and to bear good fruit as we live our lives.
The Gospel in Life
How can you show respect for others at home and in school this week?
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