Primary Session
John 15:9-17 [or: John 17:11-19 when the Ascension is celebrated next Sunday]
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Thank you, Jesus, for loving us.
Thank you for being our special friend.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The main theme for today is Love, the center and soul of the Church's mission. To begin provide each child with crayons, a large heart cut from red construction paper and a half sheet of blank white paper. Invite the children to print the words "Jesus Loves Me" on the white paper and glue it to the center of the heart. Invite the children to decorate their heart with crayons. Discuss:
• How do your friends and family show love for you?
• How do you show love for your friends and family?
• How can you show love for Jesus?
Allow time for discussion. Jesus invites us to be friends with him forever. Jesus loves each one of us individually. We show our love for Jesus when we love one another.
Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel today listen to Jesus call his disciples his friends.
Read John 15:9-17 [or: John 17:11-19 when the Ascension is celebrated next Sunday].
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• Who are Jesus' friends?
• What does Jesus want his friends to do?
• How does Jesus show his love for his friends?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.
In today's gospel, Jesus lets his disciples know that they are his friends. With his words, "As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you," Jesus makes it clear that this special friendship is based on love. After calling his disciples friends, Jesus tells them to "love one another." Jesus tells his friends that they have been chosen to bear fruit in the world. They are called to go out and love one another.
The love that we receive from God, Jesus, and one another gives us the ability to care for and love others. When we love and forgive others we continue the work of Jesus on earth.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• How can you grow in friendship with Jesus?
• Why does Jesus want his friends to love one another?
• How can we continue the work of Jesus on earth?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Love, the Soul of an Apostolate
Love is at the center of Jesus' teaching and the Church's mission. By loving and caring for others, we make God's love visible in the world.
All members of the Church family have an important role to play in continuing Jesus' work on earth. God gives us the grace to be caring and loving like Jesus.
Sharing in the Eucharist draws us closer to Jesus. Being close to Jesus helps us to live in friendship with others. When we live together as one family in faith, hope and love, we become a sign of God's love in the world.
• How can we make God's love visible in the world?
• How does God help us to be caring and loving?
• What helps us grow closer to Jesus and to one another?
Sacrament Connection
Sharing in the Eucharist nourishes our communion with God and with one another. In this Sacrament we celebrate our unity as members of the one Body of Christ. Communion with Christ strengthens our ability to love God and others.
The Gospel in Life
How can you bring God's love to others this week?
Call Us Today!