Primary Session
John 6:41-51
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
We thank you, God, for your Son, Jesus.
Help us to recognize him in the Eucharist and in the world.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is the Eucharist. To begin today's session provide each child with crayons and white construction paper. Invite the children to draw a picture of them and their family sharing a meal together. Discuss:
• What special meals do you share with your family?
• What meal does Jesus share with us at Mass?
• How do we get ready to receive Eucharist for the first time?
Allow time for discussion. In the Eucharist we come together to celebrate the gift of Jesus. We receive the body and blood of Christ.
Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel reading, listen to learn what Jesus says about himself.
Read John 6:41-51.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• Why don't the people believe Jesus when he says he has come down from heaven?
• What did Jesus tell them about himself?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background and Preparation section.
In last week's gospel, and again this week, John tells us of Jesus trying to explain to the people that he was the bread of life, and all that meant. Yet, with the 20/20 vision of hindsight, it is not until the Last Supper that we begin to realize what that means.
When Jesus instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper, he knew full well that suffering and death awaited him, and his words and actions anticipated the sacrifice of the cross by which his body and blood would truly be "given up" for us. When we celebrate the Eucharist, we recall-in obedience to his command, "Do this in remembrance of me"-what Jesus said and did on this occasion.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• How is Jesus the bread of life for us?
• Why do we share bread and wine at Mass?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
The Celebration of the Eucharist
When we gather together at Eucharist we remember that Jesus is with us. We remember that Jesus suffered and died and that Jesus was raised from the dead. By sharing in the Eucharist we are joined together with Jesus and with one another. The Eucharist is the center of our Christian life.
We celebrate the Eucharist at Mass. We share stories of our faith and share in the Body and Blood of Christ. In the celebration of the Eucharist the Church believes that Jesus Christ is present in the people who are gathered, in the priest, in the sacred scripture, and in the bread and wine. By the power of the Holy Spirit the bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ. Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist.
• What happens at Mass to remind you that Jesus is with you?
• Why does Jesus call himself the bread of life?
The Gospel in Life
This week, watch for ways that Jesus is the bread of life for you.
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