Primary Session
Matthew 25:31-46
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Jesus the Good Shepherd, you love, care for, and protect us.
Help us to show our love for you by caring for one another.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is the phrase from the Nicene Creed about Christ coming, “To judge the living and the dead.” For today’s session, bring cardboard sheep figures and a cardboard figure of a shepherd. Explain to the children that good shepherds care for and protect their sheep. Invite volunteers to come forward and use the cardboard figures to act out how a shepherd cares for his sheep, when they are lost, sick, and weak. Discuss:
• How is Jesus like a good Shepherd?
• How does Jesus care for us?
• How can we show our love for Jesus?
Allow time for discussion. When we care for the sick and poor we show our love for Jesus. Jesus wants us to care for others just as he did.
Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel today listen to find out how Jesus will separate the sheep from the goats.
Read Matthew 25:31-46.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• How will Jesus separate the sheep from the goats?
• What will Jesus say to the sheep?
• What will Jesus say to the goats?
• How do the sheep show that they care for Jesus the Good Shepherd?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.
The Church celebrates the feast of Christ the King on this last Sunday of the liturgical year. Today’s feast focuses on Jesus Christ as the king and shepherd of all people.
In today’s gospel, Jesus describes himself as king and shepherd. Jesus is the shepherd who separates the sheep and goats and the king who will judge the people. The judgement will be based on whether or not the people care for the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the prisoner, and the weak of this world. To care for those in need is to care for Jesus himself. To neglect the needs of others is to neglect Christ. “As often as you did it for one of my least brothers, you did it for me.” This gospel shows that by doing simple acts of love and kindness we are choosing to belong to God’s kingdom.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• How is Jesus like a king?
• Why does Jesus want us to help those in need?
• What are some simple acts of love and kindness?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
“To Judge the Living and the Dead”
This phrase from the Nicene Creed expresses our Catholic belief that Jesus Christ will judge the works and hearts of all. The Church helps us to understand the mystery surrounding the nature of our life after death.
Jesus promised that all people who love God and their neighbor will enjoy everlasting life in heaven. Particular judgement is based on what we have done in our lives—whether we have chosen to cooperate with or reject God’s love. When Christ returns he will judge everyone who ever lived. Each person will be judged by the way that he or she has lived the gospel message to love God and to love one another.
• What did Jesus promise his followers?
• How can we show our love for God and our neighbor?
Sacrament Connection
God created us with the freedom to choose. Sometimes we freely choose to do what we know is against God’s will. When we sin we hurt our relationship with God and others. In the sacrament of reconciliation we heal and restore our broken relationships. We receive God’s forgiveness.
The Gospel in Life
How can you welcome someone who is new at your school or new to your neighborhood this week?
Call Us Today!