Intermediate: Presentation of the Lord

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Intermediate Session
Malachi 3:1-4
Luke 2:22-40

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Thank you God for our humanity.
Help us to serve others and to live as your children.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
The topic for today is the belief that Jesus is fully human and fully divine. For today’s session provide each child with one rock. Invite the children to examine their rock very carefully. Explain that it will be important for each child to know his or her rock well enough to tell it apart from other rocks. Collect the rocks and place them in the center of the room. Invite the children to come forward and pick up their own rock. Discuss:
• In what ways are human beings like rocks?
• What makes us different from one another?
• How are human begins similar to one another?

Allow time for discussion. God created all human beings to be unique individuals. Human beings are similar because we are created in God’s own image and likeness.

Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament reading listen to find out where the Lord will appear to his people.

Read Malachi 3:1-4.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• How will the Lord appear to his people?
• What will happen in the temple?
• How will the people be made ready for the Lord’s coming?

In the Gospel today listen to find out what happens when Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple.

Read Luke 2:22-40.
Allow for silence.

• Why do Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple?
• Who do Mary and Joseph meet at the temple?
• What do Simeon and Anna tell Mary and Joseph?

Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings using the Catechist Background section.

Today’s feast of the Presentation invites us to celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ into the world. We remember Jesus’ coming as the very visitation of God, offering salvation and light to all nations.

The Old Testament reading today tells of the Lord’s coming to the temple. God’s people who have lost their way are called to correct their behavior. They must be purified and made ready for the Lord’s appearance.

Today’s gospel shows that Jesus is part of a family that is faithful to God’s law. In keeping with the Law of Moses, Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple to present him to the Lord. Simeon and Anna, two faithful people of Israel, recognize Jesus as the Son of God. This gospel reveals that Jesus will cause conflict and division within Israel, but at the same time it proclaims that Jesus’ coming is Israel’s glory.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• What does today’s feast of the Presentation celebrate?
• What are some ways that you are faithful to God’s Law?
• What does Jesus’ coming into the world mean to you?

[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]

Doctrinal Discussion Starters

The Two Natures
The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus possesses two natures: Jesus Christ is fully human and fully divine. Jesus is both the Son of God and the Son of the Virgin Mary. In the one person Jesus, God and humanity are united.

The feast of the Presentation celebrates that Jesus, the light of all peoples, is the only Messiah. Jesus is fully human and truly divine. Because of Jesus’ humanity, he can identify totally with us. Because of Jesus’ divinity he can help us to grow and become all that God has intended us to be.

• What two natures does Jesus possess?
• How can Jesus help us in our daily lives?
• How does Jesus help us live as God’s children?

Sacrament Connection
In the Sacrament of Baptism we are joined to Jesus Christ. We become his followers and members of the Body of Christ, the Church. In Baptism we are reborn as God’s children.

The Gospel in Life
How can Jesus help you reach out to others in need this week?

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, chapter 25
Grade 4, chapter 22
Grade 5, chapter 23
Grade 6, chapter 22