Lectionary Resources
YOUR CATECHETICAL LIBRARY FOR THE LITURGICAL YEAR
Junior High Session
Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19
Luke 4:21-30
Let us pray.
God of Justice, you call us to speak the truth even when it is difficult.
Give us the courage to live as prophets in the world.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Living as a prophet in the world is the focus of today’s session. Invite the young people to reflect on a time when they or someone they knew spoke up for what was right even though it was difficult.
A role-play exercise can be very effective with this topic. Ask for some volunteers to act out a situation where a young person is being mistreated by a group of peers, and someone from the group speaks out against what is happening. Discuss:
Allow time for discussion. A prophet is someone who sees the world through the eyes of God. Prophets see with a vision of peace, justice and love and speak out against whatever violates that vision. By our baptism we are called to be prophets in the world today.
In the Old Testament reading listen to the call of God.
Read Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19.
Allow for silence.
In the Gospel reading Jesus speaks as a prophet. Listen to the response of the people.
Read Luke 4:21-30.
Allow for silence.
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings.
In the Old Testament reading today we hear God’s call of an individual to be a prophet. The call begins with God who knows the prophet even before he is born. Being born a prophet does not come without cost. The reading warns that people may fight against what is good. God encourages the prophet to speak the truth. To be strong and trust in God. God promises to give the prophet strength to stand up against all adversaries. This reading points out the call of God and not on the response of the prophet. This focuses our attention on God’s role in the encounter.
In today’s Gospel we are struck by the angry response of the people to Jesus’ claim that he has come to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah. The life-giving truth that Jesus has to tell is not accepted in his hometown. At first the listeners are amazed by Jesus’ words. But they soon begin to question Jesus’ claim asking, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” Jesus makes the point that no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown.
In this passage Luke presents a basic truth about the prophetic ministry of Jesus. In reaching out to the Gentiles who are most in need of salvation, Jesus would encounter resistance from his fellow Jews. But Jesus would endure and continue steadfastly on his way. The point is made that all followers of Christ are called to make what is often the unpopular choice of standing up for the outcast in the face of opposition. This is the baptismal call of the prophet. To persevere and rely on the power of God.
If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.
Prophets speak the word of God. In Israel’s history, prophets played a much-needed role in restoring the faith of the people. The prophets spoke on behalf of God. Some examples of Old Testament prophets are Moses, Elijah, Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. God anointed Jesus for his mission as priest, prophet, and king. Jesus is the Word of God, fulfilling God’s message of love and concern for the world.
Catholics believe that through our baptism in Christ, we are called to be prophets -- to spread the good news, speak the truth and be a force for justice and peace in the world. It is difficult to stand up for what is right and true if we do not believe in ourselves or trust in God. Our identity as prophets helps us to embrace the task of building a better world. We can work for peace, and stand up for those who are rejected with confidence that God is with us. In God we find the strength, courage, and conviction to live as prophets in the world.
How can you live out your baptismal call to be a prophet at home, in school, and with friends?
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 24
Junior High, Morality, chapter 4
Junior High, Church History, chapters 2, 5, 10 and 12
Blest Are We
Grade 7, chapter 2
Grade 8, chapter 2