Intermediate Session
Jeremiah 20:7-9
Matthew 16:21-27
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Lord Jesus, by your cross and resurrection you have set us free.
You are the Savior of the world.
Teach us to follow the way of your cross.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is the cross in the life of the disciple. To begin cut a large cross from a white sheet of poster paper and write the words “We Follow Jesus,” in large letters in the center of the cross. Provide sheets of colored construction paper and invite the children to cut small crosses from the paper. Then have each child put his or her name on the small cross and glue it to the large cross. Discuss:
• How do you follow Jesus in what you say and do?
• What does the cross tell us about suffering?
• What does the cross tell us about new life?
Allow time for discussion. The way of the cross is the path to new life. As followers of Jesus we share in Jesus’ suffering and resurrection.
Listening to the Word of God
In the first reading from the Old Testament listen to find out why the prophet Jeremiah cries out to God.
Read Jeremiah 20:7-9.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• Why does the prophet Jeremiah cry out to God?
• What is Jeremiah called by God to do?
• How do the people treat Jeremiah?
• Does Jeremiah give up on his mission to speak God’s Word?
In the gospel today listen to find out what it takes to be a follower of Jesus.
Read Matthew 16:21-27.
Allow for silence.
• What must happen to Jesus?
• What does Peter tell Jesus about the events to come?
• What do the disciples need to do in order to become Jesus’ followers?
• What will happen to those who remain faithful to Jesus?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings using theCatechist Background section.
In the Old Testament reading today, Jeremiah accepts God’s call to proclaim God’s word. The prophet challenges the leaders and people of his time to live as God’s people. The people do not want to hear what Jeremiah has to say. He is met with resistance, rejection and outright persecution. Jeremiah is beaten and thrown into a sewer to die. Jeremiah cries out in anguish to God. He boldly tells God that he has had enough. But with all his suffering, Jeremiah is unable to keep God’s Word silent.
In today’s gospel, Jesus tells his disciples that he must suffer and die. Jesus tells his friends that his suffering and death will lead to new life. Peter does not like what he hears. He does not understand about the events to come.
Jesus tells his disciples that they too will have a cross to bear. Today’s passage tells us that anyone who wishes to follow Jesus must deny his very self, take up his cross, and follow in the footsteps of Jesus. And in the final judgment, Jesus promises everlasting reward for those who remain faithful to him.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• When is it difficult for you to do the right thing?
• What crosses do you face at home and at school?
• How can Jesus help you carry your crosses?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to theGospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
The Cross in the Life of the Disciple
As followers of Jesus we are called to follow his example and accept a share in the cross. The cross, an ancient method of suffering and death, is also a sign of victory over death and new life for the Christian.
Suffering is part of life. Our faith tells us that when we suffer we can find strength in the power of God who lifted Jesus from the cross. John Paul II writes that Jesus takes our suffering and changes it to strength. Jesus keeps those who are hurting close to him.
Catholics believe that through the experience of suffering and the cross we are led into the kingdom of God. The Paschal Mystery consists of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection. Through suffering and death there is the resurrection. In the Paschal Mystery of Christ, we believe that God has taken death upon the cross and turned it into our salvation.
• Why do followers of Jesus share in his cross?
• What is the Paschal Mystery?
• How does Jesus help you in times of suffering?
Sacrament Connection
In the sacrament of Confirmation the Holy Spirit strengthens us to live as disciples of Jesus. Living as a follower of Jesus can be difficult at times. The gifts of the Holy Spirit give us the courage and strength we need to carry our crosses and continue the mission of Jesus on earth.
The Gospel in Life
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