Second Sunday of Easter, Year A, Primary

Primary Session
John 20:19-31

 

Opening Prayer

Let us pray.
God of Love, we believe and we trust in you.
Help us to walk in the light of faith.
In the name of your son, the Risen Lord, we pray.
Amen.

 

Opening Life Reflection

The topic for today is faith. In today’s Gospel the Risen Lord appears to his followers and greets them with “peace.” To begin, hang a long sheet of newsprint on the wall low enough for the children to reach, or lay a long sheet of paper on the floor. Provide crayons and stickers for the children to decorate a “Peace Wall.” Invite the children to draw pictures and use the stickers to represent their hopes for peace in the world. Discuss:

• What does the word peace mean to you?
• How does God’s love help to bring peace into the world?
• How do we show that we believe in God’s love for us?

Allow time for discussion. God invites us to believe and trust in God’s love. When we trust in God’s love for us we grow in faith.

 

Listening to the Word of God

In today’s Gospel the Risen Lord appears to his followers. Listen to hear what message he brings.

Read John 20:19-31.

Allow for silence.

 

Scripture Discussion Starters

• Why are the disciples behind locked doors?
• How does Jesus greet his followers when he appears to them?
• What message does Jesus bring?
• Why is it hard for Thomas to believe in the Risen Lord?
• How does Thomas come to believe?

 

Scripture Background

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

Today’s Gospel story shows how Jesus’ followers are given the power to spread God’s love in the world. The story begins with the fearful disciples meeting behind locked doors. The Risen Lord appears to them on the evening of the resurrection. The first word he speaks is “peace,” and then he tells his followers to go out and continue his work: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” Jesus breathes on the disciples, giving them the Spirit.

Thomas is not present when the Risen Lord first appears to the disciples. He tells the others that unless he sees, he will not believe. When Jesus appears to him, Thomas believes. Thomas calls Jesus, “My Lord and my God.” The Gospel story ends with a message for all believers. Blessed are those who do not see and still believe.

 

Questions for Deeper Reflection

• Why does Jesus greet his followers with “peace?”
• What gift does Jesus give the disciples to help them spread God’s love in the world?
• What helps you believe in God without seeing?

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

 

Doctrinal Discussion Starters

Faith

God loves us and cares for us. We are invited to trust and believe in God. Faith is a gift that helps us to believe and trust in God.

The people of God pass on the gift of faith from God. With the power of the Holy Spirit, the words and actions of faith-filled people help others to live their faith.

Sometimes we have questions about our faith. Our Church community helps us to learn more about our faith. We can trust that God will always care for us and love us.

• What is faith?
• Who helps you learn about your faith?
• Who are some faith-filled people that you know?

 

The Gospel in Life

What can you do this week to show that you believe in God?

 

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition

At Home Family Guide, themes 20 and 27
Kindergarten, page 169
Grade 1, page 269 parish and page 373 school and chapter 9
Grade 2, page 269 parish and page 373 school and chapter 8
Grade 3, page 269 parish and page 373 school and chapter 9