Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, Primary

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Primary Session
Mark 1:14-20

Opening Prayer

Let us pray.
Thank you, God, for forgiving us when we are truly sorry for our sins.
Help us to make good and loving choices each day.
In the name of your son, Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
To begin, brainstorm with the children about what happens when they make bad choices. Then brainstorm the many ways that they can ask for forgiveness. Write down their responses.
Discuss:

• How do you know when you have made a bad choice?
• How do you ask for forgiveness?
• What helps you to know that you are forgiven after making a bad choice?
• What helps you make good choices?

Allow time for discussion. Sin hurts our relationship with God and with others. God loves us and wants us to stay on the path of goodness. When we go astray, God lovingly calls us back.

Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel today four fishermen are asked to come and follow Jesus. Listen to find out what they choose to do.

Read Mark 1:14-20.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• How does Jesus call the fishermen?
• What do they choose to do?
• How will the lives of the four fishermen change?
• Why do they follow Jesus?

Scripture Background

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

In today’s gospel Jesus calls his followers to repent and believe in the gospel. John the Baptist called his listeners to change their ways. Jesus takes the message of John further by calling his followers to walk in the way of faith. Simon, Andrew, James, and John drop everything to follow Jesus. These fishermen put aside their nets so that they can follow Jesus and become fishers of people. They choose to change their lives and walk in faith. Today’s gospel shows how all believers are called to a new way of life, a life of faith.

Questions for Deeper Reflection

• Why does Jesus want his followers to change their ways?
• What does it mean to be fishers of people?
• How does Jesus help you walk in faith?

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

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Sin and Repentance
Everything that God has created is good. We are created by God to live in friendship with God and others. However, the world God created is hurt by sin. Human beings originally created by God as good are harmed by sin. By choosing to sin, we turn away from God who is good.

As Catholics, we understand that with the help of God’s grace we can be sorry and turn away from sin and turn back to God. We can choose light over darkness. When we live in God’s love we bring healing and light into the world.

• What happens when we sin?
• How can we ask God for forgiveness?

Sacrament Connection
In the Sacrament of Reconciliation we receive the forgiveness of our sins and we are reconciled with God and the community. The Sacrament of Reconciliation celebrates God’s merciful love and forgiveness.
Chapter 20

The Gospel in Life
How can you tell others the good news about God’s forgiveness?

Posted in: Sessions B