Primary Session
John 3:14-21
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Thank you, God, for sending Jesus into the world to save us.
Help us to share the light of Your love with others.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The topic for today is Grace. For today’s session provide the outline of a candlestick drawn on a sheet of colored construction paper and the outline of a large flame drawn on yellow construction paper. Provide scissors and have each child cut out a candlestick and flame. Invite the children to think about how they can be children of light. Invite the children to write on the back of their flame one good and loving choice they can make this week to bring light into the world. Explain to the children that they can attach the flame to their candle after they have done what is written on the back. Discuss:
• How do you know when you have made a good choice?
• How do you know when you have made a bad choice?
• Who are the people that help you to make good choices and choose light over darkness?
Allow time for discussion. God gives us the gift of grace to help us make good and loving choices. Because we are God’s children, we are called to choose light over darkness.
Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel today, listen to hear how Jesus’ followers are called to live in the light.
Read John 3:14-21.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• Why did God send Jesus into the world?
• What will happen to those who believe in Jesus?
• How can people come to the light?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.
Today’s gospel tells why God sent Jesus into the world. The world needs saving, and God sent his only Son, so that the world might be saved through him. God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. God sent Jesus to give eternal life to all those who believe in him.
This gospel makes clear that believing in Jesus is our choice. We can choose to live in darkness, or we can make good and loving choices and live in the light. The gospel today reminds us that God is kind and forgiving. God’s grace makes living in the light possible for all believers.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• How did God show love for the world?
• How can your words and actions show that you believe in Jesus?
• What helps you to live in the light?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Grace
We believe that grace is God’s gift to us. Out of love, God freely gives us the gift of grace. Grace helps us to live as God’s children. As children of God, God’s own divine nature and eternal life are part of us. Grace is our participation, then, in the life of God.
God’s tremendous love for us and the many graces we have received, cannot be measured. We are led by grace to praise God and offer thanks.
• What is grace?
• What does God’s gift of grace help us to do?
• When do you offer God thanks and praise?
Sacrament Connection
Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we become members of Christ’s body, the Church. We are joined to Jesus Christ and to God the Father. By grace we are gifted with the life of the Spirit. The grace we are given in baptism makes us holy.
The Gospel in Life
This week complete the act of light written on your flame and attach it to your candle.