Junior High Session
1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19
John 1:35-42
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Loving God, thank you for giving us direction and guidance in life.
Help us respond to your call to live lives of goodness and love.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is Vocation. Begin today’s session with a scavenger hunt. Around the room hide a Bible, a heart shape cut out of paper, a map, and a candy bar. Invite the young people to silently reflect on the following question: “What are you looking for?” After a moment of quiet, divide the large group into small groups and begin the scavenger hunt. Have each group look for the hidden items. When the items are found invite the young people to discuss in their groups what each item represents and how it may or may not relate to what they are looking for. Discuss:
• The map can represent direction. Where do you find direction in life?
• The heart can represent love. How do you look for love?
• The candy bar can represent happiness. Where can you find true happiness?
• The Bible can represent the presence of God. How do you look for God?
Allow time for discussion. All people were created to look for and find God. We are called to know, love and serve God.
Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament reading listen to how Samuel responds to God’s call.
Read 1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• How does the Lord call Samuel?
• What does Eli tell Samuel?
• How does Samuel finally respond to God’s call?
In the gospel today, listen to find out what the disciples are looking for.
Read John 1:35-42.
Allow for silence.
• Who are the disciples looking for?
• Why do they follow Jesus?
• What does Jesus invite the disciples to do?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings using the Catechist Background section.
In the first reading Samuel experiences a personal call from God. Samuel is called to serve God in all things. At first Samuel does not respond to the Lord’s call, but God does not give up. Eli helps Samuel understand that he must listen for the voice of God. The call of Samuel shows the importance of obedient listening. Samuel listens and responds to God’s call to be a prophet.
Today’s gospel also deals with the call of the Lord. The disciples respond to God’s call to follow Jesus. Jesus challenges his followers by asking the question “What are you looking for?” Jesus wants his disciples to listen and respond to God’s call thoughtfully. The disciples are invited to come and see who Jesus is. The call of the first disciples in today’s gospel reminds us that we too are called by name to get to know Jesus personally and to live as his followers.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• How do you listen for the voice of God?
• How can you “come and see” who Jesus is?
• How is following Jesus challenging at times?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to theGospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starter
Vocation
Listening and following God’s call is an ongoing process for all believers. The word vocation comes from the Latin word “vocatus” which means “a calling.” All human beings are created by God for the purpose of knowing and loving him. We are born with a desire for God. Listening for the voice of God in our lives gives us direction in living out our vocation.
Jesus reveals to us the divine life. God invites all people to share in the divine life and to be a member of God’s kingdom. The call to be a disciple of Jesus is central to the faith of all the Baptized. The sacrament of Baptism celebrates our call to follow Jesus and to live lives of holiness. An important part of living out our vocation is to share the Good News of our salvation with others.
Catholics believe that we live out our baptismal commitment in structured ways such as married life, single life, the priesthood, and the consecrated life as a member of a religious community. Whether one is married or single, a priest or a member of a religious order, all believers are called to be holy as Jesus taught us. The Church helps all believers to live lives of holiness.
• How is God calling you to live?
• What is the difference between living a holy life and living a perfect life?
• How does the Church help us to live lives of holiness?
Sacrament Connection
Baptism is the sacrament that celebrates our call to be a disciple of Jesus and it incorporates us into the life of the Risen Lord. We live out our baptismal commitment by responding to God’s call to live holy lives.
The Gospel in Life
How can you share the good news of God’s love with others this week?
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