Primary Session
Mark 9:30-37
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
God our helper,
You give us your help when we are in need,
and you show us how to help others through the example of your son Jesus.
Thank you for showing us how to live.
In the name of Jesus we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
Begin the session by inviting the children to reflect on the many ways that people can be of service to others. Bring in a variety of magazines and ask the children to cut out as many pictures of people serving others as they can find. Glue the pictures on a large sheet of paper or poster board. Discuss:
- What are the people in the pictures doing?
- Who are the people that you know who serve others?
Jesus lived his life in the service of others. He cared for those who were poor and sick and lost. Jesus wants us to do the same.
Listening to the Word of God
Listen to the gospel today to hear what Jesus tells us we must do in order to be great.
Read Mark 9:30-37.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- What does Jesus try to explain to his disciples?
- What do the disciples argue about?
- What does Jesus say to them?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.
In the gospel reading Jesus tries to tell his disciples that he is going to suffer and die. His disciples do not want to hear such terrible news. They do not understand what Jesus is trying to tell them.
We hear that the disciples have an argument about which one of them is the greatest. Jesus asks them what they are arguing about, but his disciples do not give him an answer. Jesus knows that they are talking about greatness and he teaches them that serving others is the only true form of greatness. Jesus tells his disciples that if they want to be first, they must be last. He was making the point that if anyone wants to be great they need to serve others.
In today’s gospel Jesus welcomes a small child in his arms. Jesus wants his disciples to know that when they care for such a child they care for him.
Jesus wants us to care for one another and serve those in need.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- Have you ever wanted to be first at something?
- What does Jesus say is more important than being first?
- When you help someone in need do you think that you are helping Jesus? Explain.
(If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.)
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
The Call to Service
In the gospels we see how Jesus cares for the needs of others. Throughout his entire life Jesus served people. He wanted his followers to do the same. Jesus shows us how important it is to care for one another.
Catholic Christians are baptized into a life of service. We share in the work of Jesus by feeding the hungry, helping the poor and caring for the sick. When we do these things for other people we are helping Jesus. A sign of true greatness is the ability to take the time to help someone in need.
Together, Catholic Christians can make a big difference in the world. Imagine all God’s people working for peace. Let’s begin today!
- What are some things that you can do to follow Jesus’ example?
- How can you be a peacemaker at home, at school, or with friends?
The Gospel in Life
Help with some work around your house this week without being asked.
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