Primary Session
Luke 24:13-35
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
We thank you, God, for your Son, Jesus.
Help us to see the risen Jesus in others and in the world.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is the celebration of 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 are you getting ready to receive Eucharist for the first time? (For those who have already received Eucharist for the first time, how did you get ready?)
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 two of Jesus’ disciples are on the road to Emmaus. Listen to find out what happens when Jesus shares a meal with his friends.
Read Luke 24:13-35.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- Where are the disciples going?
- What are they talking about?
- Who joins the disciples on the road to Emmaus?
- Do the disciples know that Jesus is with them at first?
- What happens when Jesus shares a meal with his friends?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the Gospel using the Catechist Background section.
In today’s Gospel the risen Jesus appears to the disciples. Two of Jesus’ disciples are on the road to a village called Emmaus. On the way, they are talking with each other about all that has happened to Jesus. While the disciples are walking, the risen Jesus comes near and walks beside them, but they do not recognize him. Jesus asks them to tell him what they are talking about. The disciples are surprised to hear that this stranger has not heard about Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus talks to his friends about what has happened by explaining the scriptures to them. Jesus’ words fill their hearts with gladness.
When they come close to their village, the disciples invite the stranger to, “Stay with us.” Jesus goes to their home and while they are eating, he takes some bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to his friends. Then the disciples are able to see that the stranger is Jesus.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- What happened when Jesus shared a meal with his friends?
- Why is sharing meals with others important?
- Why do we use bread 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. The two main parts of the Mass are called the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. In the first part, we hear and respond to the Word of God proclaimed and preached. In the second part, we give thanks and remember what God has done for us in Jesus by sharing a meal.
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?
- What are the two parts of the Mass?
- How do you bring God’s love into the world?
The Gospel in Life
What are some ways that you can love and serve the Lord this week?
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 27
Kindergarten, page 169
Grade 1, page 271 parish and page 375 school and chapter 13
Grade 2, page 271 parish and page 375 school and chapter 8
Grade 3, page 271 parish and page 375 school and chapter 136
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