Primary Session
John 20:1-9
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Dear Jesus, on Easter we celebrate that you came back to life and you are with us today.
Live in our hearts and fill us with love and joy.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The theme for this Easter Sunday is Jesus’ Resurrection. To begin, show the children a picture of a butterfly and invite them to share what they know about butterflies. Provide each child with an outline of a butterfly on a sheet of light colored paper. Invite the children to decorate their butterfly with materials such as crayons, paints, glitter and glue, etc. Discuss:
• How do caterpillars change into butterflies?
• How is the butterfly given new life after it comes out of the cocoon?
• What do butterflies and Jesus’ resurrection have in common?
Allow time for discussion. On Easter Sunday we celebrate that God raised Jesus to new life. We believe that we too shall live after we die. We joyfully sing, “Alleluia! Jesus is risen! Alleluia!”
Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel today listen to the great news of Jesus’ Resurrection.
Read John 20:1-9.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• What does Mary Magdalene find when she visits Jesus’ tomb?
• Who does Mary run and tell her news to?
• What do Peter and the other disciple discover at the tomb?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.
Today’s gospel gives us John’s account of the resurrection of Jesus. Very early in the morning, Mary Magdalene visits Jesus’ tomb. Mary was one of Jesus’ closest friends. She loved Jesus. In Jesus’ day when people were buried in tombs, the tombs were closed with big stones. When Mary arrives at Jesus’ tomb early in the morning, she sees that the big stone has been rolled away. Mary runs and tells Peter and the other disciple about the empty tomb.
Peter and the other disciple go to the tomb and find that the tomb is empty. The disciple who arrives at the tomb before Peter believes that Jesus has been raised from the dead.
John’s account of the resurrection in today’s gospel shows that the disciples did not expect the resurrection of Jesus. They were surprised by the empty tomb. Gradually the light dawns on the disciples. Later when they are visited by the Risen Jesus they come to fully believe in the resurrection.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• What can Mary Magdalene teach us about having faith in Jesus?
• Where do you hear the story about Jesus’ resurrection?
• What signs from nature at this time of year remind you that Jesus is alive?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
“On the third day he rose again, in fulfillment of the scriptures…”
The resurrection is Jesus’ rising from the dead. Jesus’ resurrection is a sign of God’s great love for us. God raised Jesus to new life. Each of us shares in the new life of the resurrected Jesus.
We believe in the resurrection of Jesus. Those first disciples witnessed something totally unexpected and surprising. As they gradually came to understand and believe in the resurrection, the disciples had to go out and tell others. They were willing to give their lives in order to tell others the Good News of the resurrection.
• What is the resurrection?
• Why is the resurrection a sign of God’s love for us?
• What helps you celebrate the joy of Easter?
Sacrament Connection
Through the sacrament of Baptism we are reborn to a new life as children of God.
The Gospel in Life
Tell the story of the resurrection to someone in your family this week?
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