Primary Session
Mark 10:17-30 [or short form 10:17-27]
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
O God,
Thank you for giving us your holy Word in the Bible.
Help us say yes to your invitation to follow Jesus.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
Begin the session with a reference to the Disney movie “Aladdin.” Help the children recall when Aladdin found a lamp, rubbed it and a genie came out, and then granted him three wishes. Invite the children to imagine that they were granted three wishes. Ask them what they would wish for. Pause for a few minutes. Discuss:
- What did you wish for?
- Was it hard to limit your wishes to three?
- Do you feel like you already have what you need without being granted three wishes? Explain.
Allow time for discussion. In the bible we find that Jesus gives us all we need.
Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel reading listen to learn what Jesus says we truly need.
Read Mark 10:17-30.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- Who came to Jesus asking about eternal life?
- What does Jesus tell the man to do?
- Does the man do what Jesus asks?
- Why is it hard for the rich man to follow Jesus?
- How does the man feel when he walks away from Jesus?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.
The gospel reading today tells us about a young man who chooses riches over God’s offering. The rich man comes to Jesus seeking eternal life, but when Jesus tells him what he must do to follow him, the man goes away sad.
Jesus invited the rich man to follow him. However, the man chooses his treasures on earth instead of the treasure in heaven. Immediately the rich man feels sad about his decision. His riches will never give him the life that Jesus has to offer.
After seeing the rich man turn away, the disciples ask Jesus who can be saved. Jesus tells them that all things are possible with God.
Salvation is gift from God. This reading points out that we can choose to accept the gift or walk away. The saving words of Jesus are found in the Bible for every age.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- What do you treasure most?
- How can you learn more about Jesus?
- What does Jesus have to give you?
(If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.)
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Word of God/Revelation
Catholics believe that Jesus shows us who God is and reveals God’s love for us. We believe that Jesus is the eternal Word of God who by his earthly life, teaching, and ministry and by his death and resurrection has shown us the way to God and brought us salvation. The bible brings us Jesus who is God’s holy Word.
We believe that God’s invitation demands a response. We have the freedom to turn toward God or turn away. Because God is gracious and merciful we are given a whole lifetime to respond to God’s invitation.
While each one of us makes a personal response to God’s invitation, faith is not lived out alone. The Church is a community that believes, and through that community faith is nourished, sustained, and expressed.
- When do you listen to God’s Word in the Bible?
- Do you turn to Jesus with your needs?
- What faith community do you belong to?
The Gospel in Life
Go through your toys and give away what you no longer play with to an organization that collects items for children in need.
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