Lectionary Resources
YOUR CATECHETICAL LIBRARY FOR THE LITURGICAL YEAR
Primary Session
Luke 16:1-13
Let us pray.
Dear God,
thank you for all the gifts you have given us.
Help us to share our gifts with others.
In the name of Jesus we pray.
Amen.
The theme for today is social justice. To begin write the word “share” in large print on top of a chalkboard or a large sheet of paper. Invite the children to brainstorm what it is like to share what they have with others and what it is like when others share with them. Write down their responses. Discuss:
Allow time for discussion. God created people with different gifts. God wants us to use our gifts to care for others. We show that we are children of God when we share our gifts with others.
In today’s Gospel listen to Jesus tell his followers to serve God.
Read Luke 16:1-13.
Allow for silence.
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel.
Today’s Gospel makes the point that the way people use their God-given gifts tells a lot about them. The people who share their gifts with others are on the path to eternal life. The people who are greedy with their gifts are on the path to destruction.
Today’s Gospel stresses that we show our faithfulness to God by our actions. Being faithful means serving God alone. Sometimes people turn away from God and worship money or things. This Gospel passage makes it clear that we cannot serve both God and wealth. Each person must choose one master. The choice is ours.
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
The Church teaches that working for justice helps to give people what they need. The purpose of justice is to respect the rights of people and protect their dignity.
God created people with differences. Our differences, including our gifts, are meant to help the world around us. We all need each other. The commandment to love one another calls us to share our gifts with others. When we share what we have with those in need we live according to the Gospel of Jesus.
How can you show respect for people who are different from you this week?
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 13
Kindergarten, chapter 21
Grade 1, chapters 6 and 20
Grade 2, chapter 20
Grade 3, chapter 20