Primary Session
Mark 7: 31-37
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Caring God,
You want us to be healthy and happy.
Thank you for hearing our prayers for those who are sick.
In the name of Jesus we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
- Describe what is it like to get hurt or to feel sick.
- Who takes care of you when you are not feeling well?
When we are hurt or sick, the people who love us want us to feel better. They care for us and give us what we need to get well. Jesus came to help the sick and put an end to all suffering.
Listening to the Word of God
Listen to the gospel to hear how Jesus cared for someone who was suffering.
Read Mark 7:31-37.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- What was wrong with the man who Jesus cured?
- How did Jesus heal him?
- What happened after Jesus healed him?
- What did the people who were watching do?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.
The gospel story begins with a man being brought to Jesus. The man cannot hear and has trouble speaking. Jesus takes the man aside and cures him.
The cure that Jesus performs is a sign that he has come into the world to save us. Jesus has come to take away all sickness and suffering.
The people are amazed. Jesus asks them not to tell anyone about how he cured the man. But the people are too excited to keep it a secret. They go off and tell others about what happened.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- What does this story tell you about Jesus?
- How can you help people who are sick?
- Is it sometimes hard for you to keep a secret?
(If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.)
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic social teaching shows us how to make the world a better place to live. We learn to treat all people with respect as God’s children and to value the natural environment as God’s creation and to care for the poor as God’s dearest.
The purpose of Catholic social teaching is to help us live the values and teachings of Jesus in our daily lives.
Jesus lived a very simple life. He was not concerned with the clothes he wore and he owned very little. Jesus was always concerned for the poor. He cared for them and viewed them as precious in the sight of God.
Now it is up to us to care for the poor. It is a way that we can help Jesus continue his work on earth.
- Remembering Jesus’ example, give examples of how you can make the world a better place to live.
The Gospel in Life
In your daily life, try to live one of the examples mentioned in order to make the world a better place for all people.
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