Primary Session
Mark 13:24-32
Opening Prayer
Let us pray the Lord’s Prayer,
Our Father,
who art in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Opening Life reflection
The theme for today is salvation in the final days. Use the following activity to help the children explore their understanding of heaven. Provide each child with a piece of paper and crayons. Invite them to draw a picture of what they think heaven is like.
After the children have completed the activity, invite volunteers to show and describe their pictures to the large group.
Summarize by explaining that God wants all people to live forever in heaven. Heaven is a place where we live together with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. We can only imagine the beauty of such a glorious place.
Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel reading Jesus comes to bring heaven to earth. Listen to the final coming of Jesus.
Read Mark 13:24-32.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• What will happen when the Son of Man comes in glory?
• Who will be gathered up and saved?
• Does anyone know when this will happen?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechists Background section.
The gospel reading today describes the coming of God’s Kingdom on earth. Jesus will appear on the last day to put an end to every kind of evil. All the children of God will be saved.
Today’s gospel reading assures us that all members of God’s family will be protected. We can hope in the loving presence of God.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• What does this reading say to you about the last days?
• How are you protected as a child of God?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Final Judgment
People are free to choose whether or not to live in friendship with God. It is up to us to make choices that bring peace and love into the world. God wants us to live forever in heaven with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. It is our job to do our best to live as God’s children.
Final judgment will occur when Jesus comes again in glory. We believe that the world is currently being renewed by the presence of Christ. In the final days, the world as we know it will be completely transformed into a new and wonderful place.
The last judgment is when God will put an end to evil and create a new heaven and earth. Heaven is a place of eternal happiness with God, where all creation will live together in peace and harmony.
• Look at the picture of heaven that you made at the beginning of the session. Do you want to make any changes? Explain.
The Gospel in Life
When we work for peace we help to bring about heaven on earth. This week try to be a peacemaker at home, in school, and with your friends.
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