Primary Session
Mark 12:38-44 [or short form 12:41-44]
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
God of Life,
thank you for the people
who take care of us
and give us what we need.
Help us to be willing to give
And share what we have with others.
In the name of Jesus we pray,
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
Begin the session by inviting the children to reflect on the idea of sharing. Most children have been taught to share at an early age. Yet even adults find it hard to share and give things away. The session today reinforces the values of giving, sharing and caring for the world around us. Discuss:
• Name some things that God has given you?
• How can you share what you have been given with others?
• What gifts can you give to God?
God gives us the world and everything good. It is up to us to care for what God has given us. We give back to God when we share our gifts with others and care for all of creation.
Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel today listen as Jesus tells his disciples about giving.
Read Mark 12:38-44.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• Who gives money to the collection?
• How much do the rich people give?
• How much does the poor widow give?
• Who does Jesus say has given more?
• What does Jesus tell his disciples?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.
In the gospel reading today a poor widow gives everything she has. Jesus watches many rich people put large sums of money into the treasury. But a poor widow puts in just a penny because that is all she has. Jesus tells his disciples that others gave of their abundance but this woman gave of her poverty. The point is made that the poor woman is humble and most generous.
Jesus calls attention to the poor widow in order to teach his disciples what it means to follow him. Jesus knew that his disciples were concerned about material possessions and success and this was keeping them from understanding true discipleship. The widow shows what it takes to be truly great in the Reign of God.
Today’s gospel reading suggests that the amount that a person gives does not matter. What does matter is the spirit and intention of the giver. The poor widow put her trust in God and gave all that she had. She gave everything knowing that God would provide for her every need.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• What does this reading tell you about giving?
• Are you willing to give to others?
• How does God give you what you need?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Stewardship
God created the world and everything good. We have been given all of creation as a gift. God has given us the responsibility of stewardship, which means to care for creation. Each of us has been given unique gifts from God to be used to help build the Reign of God on earth. For Catholics, being a follower of Christ includes being a good steward and taking good care of the gifts that God has given us. When we share our gifts with others and contribute to the good of the world around us we are living in cooperation with God.
• What are some things that are being done today to help care for the world.
• Give some examples of how you can care for creation.
The Gospel in Life
Start a penny jar collection. Place an empty jar in your room and start filling it with pennies. At Christmas, give your penny collection to a charity of your choice.
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