Intermediate Session
Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29
Luke 14:1, 7-14
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Lord God,
you bless those who care for the poor.
Help us to care for all those in need.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is concern for the poor. To begin, invite the children to brainstorm all the people they know or have heard of who have shown a concern for the poor. Write down their responses. Then ask the children to name some qualities that they believe exist in people who care for the poor. Write down their responses.
- Do you admire people who care for the poor?
- Why are all Christian’s called to care for the poor?
- What keeps people from helping others in need?
Allow time for discussion. All Christians are called to help the poor. Jesus tells us to welcome the poor and outcast.
Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament reading listen to learn what it means to be humble.
Read Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- What does it mean to be humble?
- How is God glorified?
- What happens to those who are proud?
In the Gospel Jesus tells his followers to care for the poor.
Read Luke 14:1, 7-14.
Allow for silence.
- What story does Jesus tell?
- In the story, what seat is it best to take?
- What point does the story make about being prideful?
- What will happen to those who humble themselves?
- How does Jesus teach his followers to care for the poor and outcast?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings.
The first reading was written at a time when Israel was searching for wisdom and truth. The author writes about God’s ways in the world in order to help the people rely on the wisdom of God over any other source of guidance.
This Old Testament reading brings to light the importance of humility in the sight of God and it warns against being prideful. The point is made that the humble glorify God.
In the Gospel Jesus goes beyond the lesson of humility and includes a lesson in hospitality. Jesus advises his listeners, “when giving a dinner invite the poor, the crippled the lame and blind.” Those who welcome the poor and the outcast will be blessed.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- When have you been humble?
- Why does Jesus warn against being prideful?
- Why does God bless those who help the poor?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Preferential Option for the Poor
Christians are called to side with the poor because Scripture tells us that the poor are God’s concern. In our Catholic teaching the Preferential Option for the Poor recognizes that the Church should have a commitment to those most in need.
The Church’s social teaching relies on the notion of the “common good,” which is the understanding that all people have a right to the conditions that allow them to live healthy and fulfilled lives. Working toward the common good includes making accessible to all people basic things such as food, clothing, housing, health, work, education, culture, suitable information, the right to establish a family, privacy, and so on. (CCC 1908)
It is the obligation of all Christians to promote the common good and fight the causes of poverty. We believe that God blesses those who help the poor. When we have compassion for the poor and work for social justice we make God’s love present in the world.
- What basic needs do most poor people live without?
- What causes poverty?
- How can you help fight the causes of poverty?
The Gospel in Life
What is one thing that you can do this week to help those who are poor?
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 13
Grade 4, chapter 22
Grade 5, chapter 23
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