Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, Primary

Primary Session
Matthew 25:14-30

Opening Prayer

Let us pray.
Dear God, help us to discover the gifts and abilities that you have given us.
Guide us so that we may use our gifts to help others.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
The topic for today is stewardship. To begin, provide boxes, wrapping paper, scissors, tape, and markers for the children. Explain that every child is a gift from God and that all of our qualities and abilities are a gift from God. Invite the children to wrap the boxes with wrapping paper. Then have them put their names on the top of their box and think of it as the gifts God has given them. Discuss:

• What gifts and abilities has God given you?
• What do you do with the gifts that God has given you?
• Who helps you to discover your gifts?

Allow time for discussion. God blesses us with many gifts and talents. We are called to use our gifts and abilities to help one another.

Listening to the Word of God

In the gospel reading listen to a story about three servants.

Read Matthew 25:14-30.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• What does the master give the three servants?
• How do the servants use their gifts?
• Why is the master disappointed with the servant who buried his gift?
• What does Jesus want us to do with our gifts?

Scripture Background

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

In the gospel today, Jesus tells a story about three servants to teach us about using our gifts wisely. In the parable of the three servants, each servant is given a different sum of money from their master who is leaving on a journey. Two of them invest wisely and double their money. The last one buries his money in the ground. When the master returns he is disappointed in the servant who does not invest wisely. He takes the money from him and he throws the servant out of the house.

In this parable, the master is like Jesus, away for a time in heaven, until he returns to settle things with his followers. The settling of accounts is the final judgement and the servants’ rewards and punishments are meant to remind listeners of the importance of using God’s gifts wisely and well.

Questions for Deeper Reflection

• Why does Jesus tell the story of the three servants?
• Why does Jesus want us to use our gifts wisely and well?
• How can we show God that we are thankful for our gifts and abilities?

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

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Stewardship
Christian stewardship involves caring for all that God gives us in creation. All of creation belongs to God. As good stewards, we help God care for creation. Good stewardship also involves caring for the poor and working for the common good.

Jesus is the model for good stewardship because Jesus shows us how to serve God and others. Catholics understand that we have a responsibility for others. We have been commanded to love God and our neighbor. Loving our neighbor is inseparable from loving God. Good stewards work on behalf of the poor and suffering in the world. In Catholic teaching these activities are called the corporal works of mercy. We serve Jesus when we share our blessings with people in need. Being a good steward means that we use our gifts and abilities to help bring about God’s kingdom.

• What is Christian stewardship?
• Why is Jesus a model for good stewardship?
• How do we serve Jesus?

Sacrament Connection
In the Sacrament of Baptism we celebrate becoming members of God’s family, the Church. Being part of a family includes having some responsibility for one another. Membership in God’s family means that we are stewards of God’s household, sharing in the responsibility of caring for creation.

The Gospel in Life
How can you use your gifts to help someone in need this week?