Primary Session
Luke 21:5-19
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Dear God, you want us to show love and respect for others.
Help us to be peacemakers.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is Justice. To begin, invite the children to imagine that they are asked by their city or town to design a billboard for the highway with a message of peace. Provide each child with a blank sheet of paper and crayons or markers. Invite the children to create their billboard message of peace with the paper provided. Discuss.
- How can messages of peace on billboards help to make the world a better place?
- How can you be a peacemaker at home?
- How can you be a peacemaker at school?
- How can you be a peacemaker with friends?
Allow time for discussion. God wants all people to be treated fairly and with respect. Peacemakers work for justice and stand up for the rights of others.
Listening to the Word of God
In the Gospel today listen to how Jesus will protect those who follow him.
Read Luke 21:5-19.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- What does Jesus tell his followers about what is going to happen on earth in the final days?
- How does Jesus comfort his listeners?
- Why will Jesus protect his followers?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the Gospel.
In today’s Gospel Jesus tells of the frightening events that will happen in the end times. He tells his followers that in the final days, wars, earthquakes, famines and plagues will take place on earth. Jesus wants his followers to remain faithful in times of trouble.
Jesus offers his followers comfort and hope. In times of hardship believers are given the chance to stand up for their faith. The faithful have reason to trust in Jesus who will protect them. Even in the face of death Jesus promises that “not a hair of your head will be harmed.”
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- Why does Jesus promise to protect his followers?
- How do you show your faith in Jesus?
- How does Jesus protect you?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Justice
The Catholic Church believes that all people have rights to food, shelter and work. God wants all people to be treated fairly and to have what they need to live healthy lives. As Catholic Christians we are called to work for justice. Working for justice includes standing up for the rights of all people so that they can live healthy lives.
Those who love God and love their neighbor work for justice. They are peacemakers in the world. In the words of Pope Paul VI: “If you want peace, work for justice.”
- Do you know people who stand up for the rights of others?
- How does the Church work for justice?
- What helps you to be a peacemaker?
The Gospel in Life
Bring home your message of peace and share it with your family this week.
Connection to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 13
Kindergarten, chapter 5
Grade 1, chapter 20
Grade 2, chapter 19
Grade 3, chapter 18
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