Primary Session
John 6:51-58
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Loving God,
You surround us with your love,
and invite us to live with you forever.
Thank you for your many gifts,
especially the gift of Jesus.
We pray in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
Invite the children to think of a time when they have received a gift. Then discuss the following:
• What is it like to receive a gift?
• When you receive a gift, what does that tell you about the giver?
• What do you usually say to the person who gives you a gift?
Summarize the opening by saying, "When someone gives us a gift, they are showing how much they love and care about us. They want us to be happy. That makes us very thankful. God loves and cares for us in the same way. We are thankful to God."
Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel today, listen to find out the gift that God is giving us.
Read John 6:51-58.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• How does Jesus describe himself?
• Why is bread so important in this story?
• What gift do you hear God offering?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background and Preparation section.
Notice that Jesus describes himself as bread from heaven. This is not the kind of bread that fills us up for a little while until we get hungry again. Jesus calls himself the living bread that came down from heaven. This bread fills our hearts and souls forever. Just as we need food to live, we also need Jesus to live fully. Through Jesus, God has given us the gift of eternal life.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• What kind of food does Jesus have to give us?
• How do Catholics eat and drink of the body and blood of Jesus?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
The presence of Jesus in the Eucharist
Catholics believe that Jesus' followers receive Jesus in the form of bread and wine by receiving the Eucharist. The bread and wine we offer at Mass become the Body and Blood of Christ. This very special gift brings everlasting life.
The Eucharist joins us more fully to Jesus and to one another. At Mass, we celebrate being part of God's family.
The word Eucharist means to give thanks. We thank God for the greatest gift of all, Jesus. Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. He is also present in the scriptures, his holy word. Furthermore, Jesus' loving presence is within all those who believe and follow him.
• Recall celebrating your First Eucharist if you have already done so. How was it a special event for you, your family and for the entire church? If you have not yet celebrated your First Eucharist, what do you look forward to?
Sacrament Connection
The Eucharist joins us more fully to Jesus and to one another. At Mass, we celebrate being part of God's family.
The Gospel in Life
When we receive the gift of Jesus in the Eucharist, we receive God's life within us. We not only receive a gift, but we become a gift to others. How are you a gift to others? Think of ways that you can bring the presence of Jesus into your home, school, and with your friends.
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