Third Sunday of Easter, Year A, Intermediate

Intermediate Session

Acts 2:14, 22-33
Luke 24:13-35

 

Opening Prayer

Let us pray.
O God, Jesus used the breaking of bread to help his disciples recognize him.
Help us to recognize that the risen Jesus is always with us.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

 

Opening Life Reflection

The theme for today is the celebration of the Eucharist. For today’s session bring in breads that represent different parts of the world. (Some examples: Irish Soda Bread, Pita or Flat Bread from the Middle East, Italian Easter Bread.) Invite the children to taste the bread and explain that bread is very important to people throughout the world. As you break the bread and share it, you may want to tell the children something about the people who come from that part of the world. Discuss:

• Why is it important to share meals with others?
• When did Jesus share bread with his friends?
• Why do we celebrate the Eucharist?

Allow time for discussion. The sharing of bread shows us the importance of the Eucharist. Sharing in the Eucharist strengthens our friendship with Jesus and with one another.

 

Listening to the Word of God

In the first reading from Acts of the Apostles, Peter spreads the good news that Jesus has been raised from the dead. Listen to his powerful message.

Read Acts 2:14, 22-33.
Allow for silence.

 

Scripture Discussion Starters

• What does Peter tell the others about Jesus?
• What was part of God’s plan?
• What does Peter tell his listeners about the Holy Spirit?

In the Gospel listen to how the disciples recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread.
Read Luke 24:13-35.
Allow for silence.

• Where are the disciples going?
• What are they talking about?
• Who joins the disciples on the road to Emmaus?
• Do the disciples recognize Jesus at first?
• When do they recognize Jesus?

 

Scripture Background

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

In the reading from Acts, Peter boldly proclaims the good news that Jesus has been raised from the dead. He explains to the people that the crucifixion and resurrection were part of God’s plan, foretold by sacred scripture. Peter declares that God has poured out the Holy Spirit. In this passage we see the Spirit in action with Peter’s strong and fearless testimony.

In today’s Gospel the Risen Lord appears to the disciples. In this Gospel, two of Jesus’ disciples are traveling to a village called Emmaus. While they are walking, the risen Jesus comes near and walks beside them, but they do not recognize him. They are surprised that this stranger has not heard about Jesus of Nazareth.

When they come close to their village, the disciples extend to the stranger an invitation to, “Stay with us.” Jesus goes to their home and while they are eating, he takes some bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to his friends. Then the disciples recognize the Risen Lord.

In today’s gospel, Jesus explains the scriptures, shares a meal in which the disciples recognize his presence, and then the disciples joyfully go forth to share the good news of the resurrection. These actions continue to be part of the celebration of the Christian Eucharist.

 

Questions for Deeper Reflection

• How is the good news about Jesus spread?
• What happened when the Risen Lord shared bread with his disciples?
• When do you recognize the presence of Jesus in your life?
• Why do the disciples joyfully run off to tell the others about what happened?

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

 

Doctrinal Discussion Starters

The Celebration of the Eucharist

When we celebrate the Eucharist we remember and share in the Paschal Mystery: the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. By sharing in the Eucharist we are joined together with Jesus and with one another. The Eucharist is the center of our Christian life.

 

We celebrate the Eucharist at Mass. We share stories of our faith and share in the Body and Blood of Christ. The two main parts of the Mass are called the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. In the first part, we hear and respond to the Word of God proclaimed and preached. In the second part, we give thanks and remember what God has done for us in Jesus by sharing a meal.

 

In the celebration of the Eucharist the Church believes that Jesus Christ is present in the people who are gathered, in the priest, in the sacred scripture, and in the bread and wine. By the power of the Holy Spirit the bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ. Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist.

 

• Why do we celebrate the Eucharist?
• What helps remind you that Jesus is present with you?
• When do you notice Jesus’ presence within others and in the world?

 

The Gospel in Life

How can you share bread with those who are hungry this week?

 

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition

At Home Family Guide, theme 27
Grade 4, page 271 parish and page 375 school and chapter 12
Grade 5, page 271 parish and page 375 school and chapter 14
Grade 6, page 271 parish and page 375 school and chapter 15