Primary Session
Luke 16:19-31
Opening Prayer
Let us pray
Loving God, all children are precious in your sight.
Help us to care for those in need.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is justice for the poor. To begin invite the children to brainstorm all the things they need in order to live healthy lives. Write down their responses. Discuss:
- Do all God’s children have enough food to eat?
- Do all God’s children have a place to live?
- What can be done to help children who do not have what they need?
Allow time for discussion. God wants all children to have what they need to live healthy lives. We live as God’s children when we help those who are in need.
Listening to the Word of God
In the Gospel today listen to a story about a rich man and a poor man.
Read Luke 16:19-31.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- What does the poor man in the story need?
- Does the rich man notice Lazarus?
- What happens when the rich man dies?
- What happens when the poor man dies?
- What does the story teach about caring for the poor?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel.
In today’s Gospel Jesus tells a story about a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus. Lazarus is hungry and sick and he cries out for help. The rich man has his fill of food and drink and he does not even notice the beggar at his feet. Lazarus receives no help from the rich man who ignores him.
After death, Lazarus rests with Abraham while the rich man suffers. The rich man suffers because he did not care about the poor when he was alive.
The story that Jesus tells in this Gospel today teaches us about God’s special concern for the poor. All God’s children are called to care for the poor.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- What do poor people need?
- Who can help the poor?
- What does Jesus teach about caring for the poor?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Social Justice: Part II
All God’s children deserve to have what they need to live healthy lives. Some people do not have enough food to eat or a safe place to live. Unfair conditions exist in the world today and they keep people from having what they need. This inequality goes against Jesus’ Gospel message.
As Catholic Christians, we are called to work for fair treatment of all people. The first step toward working for justice is to notice that unequal conditions exist. Catholic social teaching reminds us to never become so comfortable that we forget the needs of others.
- How do you learn about people who need help?
- Why is it important to care for the poor?
- How can you share God’s love with the poor?
The Gospel in Life
This week find out about what groups in your parish help the poor.
Connection to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 13
Kindergarten, chapter 21
Grade 1, chapters 6 and 20
Grade 2, chapter 20
Grade 3, chapter 20
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