Second Sunday of Easter, Year C, Primary

Primary Session

John 20:19-31

 

Opening Prayer

Let us pray.
Living God,
you have raised Jesus from the dead.
We joyfully give you thanks and praise.
In the name of the risen Jesus we pray.
Amen.

 

Opening Life Reflection

On this Second Sunday of Easter we celebrate our belief in the risen Christ. To begin today’s session invite the children to reflect on the following questions.

• Have you ever seen something that amazed and excited you?
• Did you want to go and tell others about it?

When people see something exciting happen they usually want to tell others about it. The first disciples saw the risen Lord when he appeared to them in a room where they were staying. The disciples wanted to tell everyone that Jesus was risen from the dead.

 

Listening to the Word of God

In today’s gospel the risen Lord appears to the disciples. Listen to find out what they do.

Read John 20:19-31.

Allow for silence.

 

Scripture Discussion Starters

• Why were the disciples behind locked doors?
• What did Jesus say to them when he came before them?
• How did the disciples respond to the risen Lord?
• What did Jesus give the disciples?
• Who did the disciples tell about the risen Lord?
• Why did Thomas doubt the resurrection of Jesus?
• What helped Thomas to believe?

 

Scripture Background

Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel.

In the gospel today the risen Lord appears to the apostles. We can only imagine the excitement and joy of the moment. The disciples are afraid and behind locked doors when Jesus greets them with “peace.”

Then the risen Christ tells the disciples to continue his own saving work: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” The confused and frightened disciples listen to Jesus and they are no longer afraid. Jesus then gives his followers the gift of the Holy Spirit. The followers of Christ then go out to tell others the exciting news about the risen Lord.

Thomas was not present when the risen Christ first appeared to the disciples. He finds it hard to believe what he does not see. Only after he sees the risen Christ for himself and touches his wounds does Thomas believe. Jesus responds with a blessing for all those who have not seen but have believed.

 

Questions for Deeper Reflection

• What are some things that you believe in without seeing?
• Why is the resurrection of Jesus exciting news?
• How can you show others that you believe in the risen Lord?

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

 

Doctrinal Discussion Starters

“Blessed are those who have not seen, but have believed.”

Faith comes from hearing the good news about Jesus Christ from believers. The Holy Spirit helps give the words to those who tell us the good news, and the Holy Spirit opens our ears to listen.

Many believers struggle with their faith at times. When we experience bad things in this world we may question our belief. In times of doubt, we can turn to the Church for support.

• Who tells you about Jesus?
• How can you tell others about Jesus?
• Where can you go to find answers to your questions about Jesus?

 

The Gospel in Life

How can you be a good follower of Jesus, at home, in school and with your friends?

 

Connecting to Be My Disciples

Grade 1, chapter 17
Grade 2, chapter 23
Grade 3, chapter 7

 

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition

At Home Family Guide, theme 27
Kindergarten, page 169
Grade 1, chapter 9 and page 269 Parish and page 373 School
Grade 2, chapter 1 and page 269 Parish and page 373 School
Grade 3, chapter 4 and 16 and page 269 Parish and page 373 School

Blest Are We
Kindergarten, chapter 20
Grade 1, chapter 4
Grade 3, chapter 16