Primary Session
Matthew 22:15-21
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
O God who created us,
Thank you for giving us minds to learn about you and hearts to love you.
You are the one true God.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
Today’s session focuses on God’s message, “I am the Lord, there is no other.” For this session bring in five blocks of wood or cardboard boxes. On each block write one of the following words with black marker in bold letters: family, friends, money, toys, and God. Invite the children to help you stack the blocks in order of importance. Discuss:
• Which block is most important? Why?
• Why do Catholics believe in one God?
• How do you show that you believe in God?
Allow time for discussion. We believe in one true God. We show our belief in God by the way that we live.
Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel today listen to Jesus teach the religious leaders how to show their belief in the one true God.
Read Matthew 22:15-21.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• What do the Pharisees ask Jesus?
• Why does Jesus ask the religious leaders to show him a coin?
• What image is on the coin?
• What does Jesus tell the Pharisees?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel the Catechist Background section.
Today’s gospel teaches us to have faith in the one true God. The Pharisees try to trap Jesus by asking him whether or not it is lawful to pay tax to the emperor. Jesus knows what they are up to and he asks the Jewish leaders for a coin. The coin in those days would have had the image of Caesar on it with his title as ruler of all. Jesus makes the Pharisees aware that by carrying the coin, they are carrying an idol-worshiping image.
Jesus tells the Pharisees, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, but give to God what is God’s.” Jesus’ clever response to give back to Caesar his coin and to give to God everything refers to obeying the first commandment.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• Why is it important to have faith in the one true God?
• How does Jesus show that God is the ruler of all?
• How can you give things to God?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
“I Am the Lord, There Is No Other”
The Bible tells us that God freed the chosen people from slavery in Egypt and formed a close relationship with them. The first of the Ten Commandments focuses on the loyal relationship that God demands of the chosen people: “You shall not have other gods besides me”(Exodus 20:3). God wants a close and loving relationship with all believers.
What is God telling us in the first commandment? God is saying, “I am your God, there is no other.” God freely offers us a relationship of love. Our first response toward this loving God should be faith, to believe and show that belief through our words and actions.
Second we must hope that God will help us to love God in return. It is hard to imagine the great things that God has planned for us. Hope helps us to rely on the goodness of God.
Third, we believe the first commandment calls us to love God above everything else. We need to make time for God and put God first in our lives. Jesus showed us how loving God relates to loving one’s neighbor. Showing love for others shows our love for God.
• What kind of relationship does God want to have with us?
• How can you make time for God?
• How can you put God above everything?
Sacrament Connection
When you are baptized, you become God’s very own child. From that time on, God is first in our life.
The Gospel in Life
How can you show love for others this week and show your love for God?
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