Intermediate Session
Wisdom 7:7-11
Mark 10:17-30
Opening Prayer
Let us pray,
Jesus, Word of God,
You give us everything we need.
Help us to read the Bible with open hearts so that you can show us how to live.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
Invite the children to reflect on the following question:
- If you had three minutes to evacuate your home before of a natural disaster, what would you take with you?
Divide the children into groups of three or four and ask them to share their answers with one another. Allow time for large group discussion. In the scriptures we find our treasure. Living in friendship with Jesus gives us all we need to live full, happy lives now and forever.
Listening to the Word of God
In the reading from the Old Testament today listen to God’s answer to a prayer.
Read Wisdom 7:7-11.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- What was given to the person who prayed?
- Was God’s gift appreciated?
- What did wisdom bring along with her?
In the gospel reading the disciples ask Jesus who can be saved. Listen to Jesus’ invitation to follow him.
Read Mark 10: 17-30.
Allow for silence.
- Who comes to Jesus asking about eternal life?
- What does Jesus tell the man to do?
- Why does the rich man decide to turn away from Jesus?
- How does he feel about his decision?
- What does Jesus say about who can be saved?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings using the Catechist Background section.
Today’s Old Testament reading begins with a prayer. It is a prayer answered by God. We hear that God was called upon and wisdom was given. In this reading the author shows us that
God offered to give Solomon whatever he wished for, and the king asked only for the gift of wisdom. Wisdom was understood to be a gift from God. In this story Solomon does not pray for material things. We realize that to him nothing compares to the radiance of wisdom.The gospel reading today gives us an account of a young man who chooses material things over God’s offering. The rich man comes to Jesus seeking the ultimate good, but when Jesus answers him with what he must do to be a disciple, the man goes away sad.
Jesus invited the rich man to follow him. However, the man chooses his treasures on earth instead of the treasure in heaven. Immediately the rich man pays the priceof his decision and he goes away sad. His riches will never give him the fullness of life here on earth and after death that Jesus has to offer.
After witnessing the young man’s refusal to follow Jesus, the disciples begin to wonder who can be saved. Jesus responds to their question with the hopeful news that all things are possible with God.
Salvation is a work of grace and a gift from God. This reading points out that we can choose to accept the gift or walk away. Jesus offers saving words to those who seek eternal life, and the gospels pass on that same offer to all that hear God’s sacred Word in every age.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- Where do you find your treasure?
- How does Jesus want you to get to know him better?
- What does Jesus have to offer you?
(If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.)
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Word of God/Revelation
The way in which God reveals things and what God reveals, forms the basis of Catholic belief. Everything focuses around Jesus Christ who is the ultimate revelation of God and God’s love for us. We believe that Jesus is the eternal Word of God who by his earthly life, teaching, and ministry and by his death and resurrection has shown us the way to God and brought us salvation. Jesus is the eternal Word, the self-communication of God to humanity.
We believe that God’s invitation demands a response. We have the freedom to turn toward God or turn away. Because God is gracious and merciful we are given a lifetime to respond to the invitation.
While each believer makes a personal response, faith is not something we live out alone. The Church is a community that believes, and through that community faith is nourished, sustained, and expressed.
- How are you being invited to turn toward God?
- What is your response to God’s invitation?
- Describe the faith community that you belong to.
The Gospel in Life
This week try to keep your focus on Jesus instead of material things.
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