Primary Session
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Dear Jesus, you show us how to love God and one another.
Help us to follow your example.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
Today we learn about the importance of following God's Law in our hearts. To begin, invite the children to design their own playground. Provide large sheets of paper so that they can draw or list all the equipment that they would like to have on their playground. When the children are done, ask them to think of what rules they would post at the playground to keep it from being damaged and for the safety of the children who play there. Allow time for the children to show their playground design to the group and to share what rules they think should be followed. Discuss the following:
• Did you enjoy designing your own playground?
• How did you like thinking up rules for the playground?
• Do you think that rules are needed? Why?
Explain that God also gives us rules to follow for our safety and happiness. The rules given to us by God are called God's Law. Following God's Law demands more than obeying a list of rules. Jesus teaches us to obey God's Law within our hearts.
Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel today, listen as Jesus tells about following God's Law in our hearts.
Read Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• Why did the Pharisees blame the disciples for not following the laws?
• What did Jesus say to the Pharisees?
• Does Jesus think it is important to follow laws?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background and Preparation section.
In today's gospel the Pharisees, who were the religious leaders of the time, blame the disciples for not following some of the laws. Jesus gets angry with the Pharisees and he warns them not to follow laws outwardly without looking within their hearts.
Jesus wants us to follow God's Law within our hearts. When we have goodness in our hearts, then our actions will be good and in keeping with God's Law.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• What did you learn from this reading about following rules or laws?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Principles of Morality
Catholics believe that we learn how to follow God's law in our hearts by listening to the scriptures, by learning about our religion, and through the guidance and example of other believers. Following God's law in our hearts helps us to live a moral life.
Jesus shows us how to live a moral life through his example. Jesus treated others with respect and care. He brought light and love into the world. We follow God's law in our hearts when we follow Jesus' example.
• How do you learn about Jesus and the Catholic faith?
The Gospel in Life
Ask a family member to read a story about Jesus to you from the Bible.
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