Primary Session
Mark 9:2-10
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
O God,
“Let my prayer be counted as incense before you,
and the lifting of my hands as an evening sacrifice.”
Psalm 141:2
Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is Sacrifice. To begin, invite the children to use their fingers to remind them of what they can do to live in God’s love this Lent. Provide blank sheets of paper and crayons and invite the children to trace one of their hands onto the paper. Explain that their thumb can remind them to pray each day. Have the children write “pray” on the outline of their thumb. The index finger can remind them to help people at home or in school. Have them write “help” on the outline of their index finger. The middle finger can remind them to share their talents. Have them write “share” on the index finger. The ring finger can remind them to give to people who are less fortunate then we are. Have them write “give” on their ring finger. And finally the littlest finger can remind them to care for themselves as beloved children of God. Have them write “care” on the littlest finger. Hold up a competed sample for the children to see. Discuss:
• What can your fingers remind you to do this Lent?
• How can you share your talents?
• How can you help someone in need?
Allow time for discussion. During the season of Lent, let your fingers remind you to live in God’s love.
Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel today listen to find out what happens to Jesus on the mountaintop.
Read Mark 9:2-10.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• Who does Jesus take up the mountain with him?
• What happens to Jesus on the mountaintop?
• What does Peter say to Jesus?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.
In today’s gospel Jesus brings his friends Peter, James, and John high upon a mountain. While they are there, Jesus becomes radiant with light. Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus. Peter, James, and John can’t believe their eyes. The disciples are both fascinated and frightened by the glorification of Jesus. Peter wants the moment to last forever. From a cloud comes the voice of God saying, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Jesus’ friends are given a vision of light and hope. This vision will help them deal with Jesus’ suffering and death. This passage sheds light on Jesus’ divinity and the great event to come, Jesus’ victory over death.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• When have you had such a great time that you wanted the moment to last forever?
• How can Jesus’ light shine through your actions?
• What do we celebrate at Easter?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Sacrifice
Throughout the Old and New Testaments, the idea of sacrifice is important. The sacrifice of Jesus is the greatest sacrifice. Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins.
The celebration of the Eucharist makes present the once and for all sacrifice of Jesus. In the Eucharist we celebrate the memorial of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and his resurrection, become real and present in the celebration of Eucharist. The Eucharist is also the sacrifice of the Church. Through the celebration of the Eucharist, we offer our lives to God through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The Eucharist transforms our lives.
• What is the greatest sacrifice?
• Why did Jesus die on the cross?
• What happens when we celebrate Eucharist?
Sacrament Connection
The celebration of the Eucharist makes present the once and for all sacrifice of Christ. In the Eucharist we celebrate the memorial of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and his resurrection, become real and present in the celebration of Eucharist.
The Gospel in Life
How can you let your light shine for the entire world to see this week?
Call Us Today!