Primary Session
John 8:1-11
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Forgiving God,
thank you for the gift of your forgiveness and love.
Help us to make good and loving choices.
In the name of your son, Jesus, we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
On this Fifth Sunday of Lent we celebrate God’s gift of forgiveness and new life. Butterflies are a symbol of new life. They begin as caterpillars. Then they wrap themselves up in a cocoon and emerge as beautiful butterflies. Begin today’s session with a butterfly making activity. Provide each child with an outline of a butterfly on a sheet of paper, a pair of scissors and crayons. Allow time for the children to color and cut out their butterfly. Discuss:
- What does a butterfly start out as?
- How does the butterfly change?
- Describe how the butterfly is given new life.
- How does the season of Lent prepare us to celebrate new life at Easter?
Allow time for discussion. The season of Lent is like a cocoon because it helps us to prepare for new life at Easter.
Listening to the Word of God
In the Gospel reading today listen to how Jesus gives a woman the gift of new life.
Read John 8:1-11.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- Why do the scribes and Pharisees bring the woman to Jesus?
- What does the Law of Moses say should happen to the woman?
- What does Jesus do?
- Why do all the people leave?
- How does Jesus give the woman the gift new life?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings.
In today’s Gospel reading we hear about a woman who is brought before Jesus because she has sinned. According to the Law of Moses the woman should be stoned. But Jesus has a better idea. He helps the people see that the woman is not the only sinner in the crowd. This causes everyone to leave.
Jesus is left standing alone with the woman. Jesus gives the woman the gift of a new start. After her experience with Jesus she is reconciled to God, to her community and to herself.
The story in the Gospel today shows us that God forgives our sins and loves us unconditionally. When we make a wrong choice, we too are given a new start.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- How does Jesus give you a new start?
- What does it mean that God loves us unconditionally?
- How can you celebrate God’s forgiveness and unconditional love?
If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Reconciliation
God forgives our sins and loves us unconditionally. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus show us God’s love. Jesus ate with sinners, and offered them healing and a new start.
For those who have sinned after Baptism, the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation offers forgiveness and a new start. The healing brought about by the sacrament helps a person to change. Catholics celebrate repentance and conversion in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.
- What does the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation celebrate?
- How do we prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
- How do you prepare to celebrate Easter?
The Gospel in Life
Think about the choices that you make this week. Thank God for helping you make good choices.
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 9
Kindergarten, page 165 and chapter 21
Grade 1, page 259 parish and page 367 school, and chapter 11
Grade 2, page 259 parish and page 367 school, and chapter 14
Grade 3, page 259 parish and page 367 school, and chapter 15
Blest Are We
Kindergarten, chapter 6
Grade 1, chapter 11
Grade 2, chapter 6
Grade 3, chapters 6, 14