Primary Session
Matthew 10:26-33
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Dear God, thank you for always caring for us and loving us.
Help us to care for others.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is persecution and suffering. To begin, invite the children to create notes of encouragement for people who are in the hospital or living at home with an illness. For example, the children can draw pictures of hearts or flowers or write a message such as “God loves you” or “God is with you.” Provide blank sheets of paper, pencils, and crayons. The notes can be given to ministers in the parish to distribute to people who are suffering. Discuss:
• Who helps you when you are feeling sick or sad?
• How can you help others when they are feeling sick or sad?
• How is God with us when we are suffering?
Allow time for discussion. God is always with us when we are suffering. We trust God to bring goodness out of all situations.
Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel today, listen to how Jesus tells his followers that they are precious in God’s sight.
Read Matthew 10:26-33.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• Why does Jesus tell his friends not to fear?
• How does Jesus show his followers that they are not alone?
• How does Jesus teach his followers that they are precious to God?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.
In today’s gospel, Jesus helps his disciples understand that God is always with them. Jesus knows that many of his disciples will suffer and die because they are his followers. Jesus uses the comforting image of sparrows being watched over to assure his disciples that God watches over them. They are so valuable to the Father that every hair on their heads has been counted. Jesus tells his followers that the good news must be proclaimed to all people. He gives his friends the encouragement they need to go out and spread the good news.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• Why do some people want to harm the followers of Jesus?
• How does Jesus help his friends know that they are not alone?
• Why do Jesus’ followers trust in God’s love?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Persecution and Suffering
All people experience pain and suffering. We may never fully understand why. We believe that God’s plan of creation did not include sickness and suffering. Human beings were created with the freedom to make choices. Sometimes the choices we make can bring about suffering. But, we are never left alone in our suffering. The bible has many stories of people trusting in God’s great love for them. The bible tells us that God is always with us.
• What can we learn from suffering?
• How can we help others who are suffering?
• How can we trust in God when we are sick or in pain?
The Gospel in Life
Deliver your note of encouragement to someone who is suffering this week.
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