Primary Session
John 1:35-42
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Dear Jesus, thank you for inviting us to be your followers.
Help us to listen for your guidance in our daily lives.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The topic for today is Vocation. To begin, brainstorm with the children who the people are in their lives that they listen to for guidance. Write down their responses. Provide the children with paper and crayons and invite them to draw a picture of one person in their lives that they listen to. Discuss:
• How do the people you listen to give you guidance?
• Why is it important to listen to the people who love us?
• What can people do to show that they are listening?
Allow time for discussion. The people who love us guide us in living good lives. God loves us and wants what is best for us. We are called to listen to and follow God.
Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel today, listen to how the first disciples follow God’s call.
Read John 1:35-42.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• How do the disciples follow God’s call?
• Why do they follow Jesus?
• What does Jesus invite the disciples to do?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.
Today’s gospel is about listening to and responding to God’s call. The first disciples are called to follow Jesus. They hear God’s call and respond by following Jesus. Jesus asks his followers, “What are you looking for?” He wants his disciples to listen and respond thoughtfully. The disciples are invited to come and see who Jesus is. Jesus invites them to stay with him. The call of the first disciples in today’s gospel reminds us that we too are called by name to know and follow Jesus.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• Why do you invite friends to come over to your house?
• Why does Jesus invite the disciples to come and stay with him?
• How are you invited to be friends with Jesus?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to theGospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Vocation
God loves and cares for us. God calls us each by name to live as God’s children. We listen and respond to God’s call throughout our lives. The word vocation comes from the Latin word “vocatus” which means “a calling.” All people are created to know and love God.
Jesus shows us the way to live in response to God’s call. Our baptism calls us to live as followers of Jesus. The sacrament of Baptism celebrates our call to live lives of holiness. An important part of living out our vocation is to share the Good News of God’s love with others.
Catholics believe that we live out our baptismal commitment in structured ways such as married life, single life, the priesthood, and vowed religious life. Whether one is married or single, a priest or a member of a religious order, all believers are called to be holy as Jesus taught us. The Church helps all believers to live lives of holiness.
• What helps you to live as a child of God?
• What did Jesus teach us about living a holy life?
• How does the Church help us to follow Jesus?
Sacrament Connection
Baptism is the sacrament that celebrates our call to be a disciple of Jesus and it incorporates us into the life of the Risen Lord. We live out our baptismal commitment by responding to God’s call to live holy lives.
The Gospel in Life
How can you be a good listener this week?
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