Third Sunday of Easter, Year B, Intermediate

Intermediate Session
Acts 3:13-15, 17-19
Luke 24:35-48

Opening Prayer

Let us pray.
O loving God,
You raised Jesus from the dead to save us.
Thank you for showing us how much you love us.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection

The main topic for today is Evangelization. To begin invite the children to imagine that a local newspaper is looking for good news articles for their paper. Divide the children into small groups and assign each group to write a good news article, based on fact or fiction, for the newspaper. Discuss:

• What good news do you like to share?
• What is it like to tell others good news?
• What “good news” do we celebrate during the Easter season?

Allow time for discussion. During the Easter season we celebrate the good news that God raised Jesus from the dead to save us from sin and death. We are called to share the good news about God’s saving love with others.

Listening to the Word of God
In the reading from Acts of the Apostles listen to Peter tell the people about God’s forgiveness and love.

Read Acts 3:13-15, 17-19.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters

• Who is Peter speaking to?
• What does Peter tell the people about forgiveness?
• Why does Peter tell his listeners to turn to God?

In the gospel today listen to find out what happens to the disciples on the road to Emmaus.

Read Luke 24:35-48.
Allow for silence.

• What happens to the disciples on the road to Emmaus?
• What do the two from Emmaus tell the others?
• What does Jesus say when he appears to the disciples?

Scripture Background

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

In the first reading from Acts of the Apostles, Peter preaches about the resurrection of Jesus. He relates the events of Jesus’ death and resurrection to the scriptures. Peter points out that those who put Jesus to death are now in need of forgiveness. Peter’s speech urges the people to turn to God, so that their sins may be wiped out. Peter is a witness for all followers of Jesus to tell others the good news about Jesus Christ.

In today’s gospel, two disciples meet Jesus on the road to Emmaus. They return to Jerusalem to share with the others what happened. Suddenly, the Risen Jesus appears to the disciples once again. Jesus greets his friends with “Peace,” and then he invites them to eat with him. As they eat together Jesus explains the scriptures. Jesus ends his visit by commanding the disciples to go out and be “witnesses of all these things.” Today’s passage points out that every follower of Jesus is called to evangelize. An evangelizer is willing to share the Good News of Jesus and spread his message throughout the world.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• When do you turn to God?
• Why is it important to tell others the Good News about Jesus?
• How can you spread the Good News through your words and actions?

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

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Evangelization
To evangelize means to announce the good news. Evangelization is an effort to help others come to know Jesus Christ, and his body, the Church. The evangelizer must witness for others how to live as a follower of Christ in the world. Evangelization helps people to change and become more like Christ.

Evangelization spreads the good news that Jesus Christ has opened for all people a new way of life. This new way of life leads to happiness with God forever. This is great news! Through Jesus we are offered forgiveness, love and eternal life. All believers are called to share the good news about Jesus Christ with others.

• What is the “Good News” about Jesus?
• What does it mean to evangelize?
• How does evangelization help people?

Sacrament Connection
The sacrament of Confirmation completes the sacrament of Baptism and deepens our new life in Christ. Confirmation strengthens us to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ by word and deed. Confirmed believers are called to be fearless witnesses to Christ in the world.

The Gospel in Life
How can you share the Good News about Jesus at home or with friends this week?