Lectionary Resources
YOUR CATECHETICAL LIBRARY FOR THE LITURGICAL YEAR
Junior High Session
Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:21-23
Luke 12:13-21
Let us pray.
God of all gifts,
thank you for the many gifts you have given us.
Help us to be grateful, and keep us from always wanting more.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
The theme for today is finding our treasure in God. Begin by having the young people brainstorm what they are most thankful for at this time in their lives. Write down their responses. Discuss:
Allow time for discussion. The tenth commandment reminds us to be thankful for what we have and it warns us about greed and envy. Wanting what other people have can keep us from loving God and our neighbor.
In the Old Testament reading listen to what can turn us away from God.
Read Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23.
Allow for silence.
In the Gospel reading listen to find out where true riches are found.
Read Luke 12:13-21.
Allow for silence.
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings.
In today’s Old Testament reading the author states that, “All things are vanity.” This statement brings to light the harmful nature of human effort for the sake of personal gain alone. Material wealth and accomplishments are not lasting. True riches and lasting security can be found in God alone.
The Gospel reading today also stresses that we can only find our treasure in God. When God comes first in our lives, all other things are put in the right place. Today’s passage begins with a warning against all kinds of greed. Jesus tells the story of a rich landowner who foolishly plans to store his treasure. This story stresses the point that greed only blocks one from acquiring what is really important. What is most important in life is a deep relationship with God.
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
The tenth commandment, “You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods,” warns against greed and avarice. Greed is the desire to constantly want more and more things. Avarice is the intense desire for wealth and power. The tenth commandment also warns against envy. Envy is the feeling of resentment over another person’s belongings. Greed, avarice and envy can lead to terrible crimes of violence and injustice.
Our faith teaches us to value the human person and to treat one another with dignity and respect. Wanting what another person has is wrong when it leads to a disrespect and disregard for another person.
Following the tenth commandment keeps our hearts in the right place. It keeps us thankful for the gifts that God has given us.
How can you keep your relationship with God a priority this week?
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 15
Junior High, Morality, chapters 10 and 11