Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, Intermediate

Intermediate Session

Isaiah 66:18-21
Luke 13:22-30

 

Opening Prayer

Let us pray.
God of life, thank you for the gift of your love.
Help us to live as your children.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

 

Opening Life Reflection

The theme for today is final judgment. To begin, invite the children to create a poster titled “All Are Welcome To Eat In God’s Kingdom.” Arrange the title with large letters on top of a sheet of poster paper and provide each child with a sheet of paper, scissors, and markers. Invite the children to create one of their favorite foods out of the paper. Attach each child’s food item onto the poster. Discuss:

• Why are all people welcome to eat in God’s Kingdom?
• Are some people more special to God than others are?
• What does it mean to be a child of God?

Allow time for discussion. All God’s children are called to the kingdom of God. God’s kingdom is a place of eternal happiness. Jesus has promised that all those who love God and follow his way will live forever.

 

Listening to the Word of God

In the reading from the Old Testament hear how all people are called to God’s kingdom.

Read Isaiah 66:18-21.

Allow for silence.

 

Scripture Discussion Starters

• Who is being called to God’s kingdom?
• What is the Lord coming to do?
• Where will all the people join together?

In the Gospel reading listen to Jesus tell his followers about being saved.

Read Luke 13:22-30.

Allow for silence.

• What does someone ask Jesus?
• What does Jesus say about being saved?
• What warning does Jesus give his listeners?

 

Scripture Background

Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings.

The first reading from the book of Isaiah was written at a time when certain groups of Jewish people believed that they had special favor with God. The author tries to make the point that God has no favorites. God’s gift of salvation is for all people.

This reading describes an incredible assembly of people from every corner of the earth coming to Jerusalem, where Jew and Gentile alike will join in worship at the Temple. The Lord even promises that Gentiles will be among those who minister.

The Gospel today also deals with God’s gift of salvation. Jesus is asked a question about who will be saved. Jesus takes the opportunity to warn his fellow Jews that they are no more deserving of salvation than others are. There will be a time of final judgement. And on that day some that believe that they will be the first to be saved will be last and the last first.

This Gospel stresses that the gift of salvation is for all. People from east and west, from north and south will eat in the kingdom of God.

 

Questions for Deeper Reflection

• What does it mean to be invited to eat in the Kingdom of God?
• Do you treat other people as part of God’s family?
• How can you reach out to others who may feel left out?

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

 

Doctrinal Discussion Starters

Final Judgment

When it comes to final judgment Christians put their trust in God. God’s love for each person is eternal and God has power over every evil.

The Church teaches that there are two moments of judgment. When people die, God will examine their hearts to see if they have turned toward or away from God’s grace. A judgment will be made based on what they have done in their lives and their souls will be assigned to heaven, purgatory or hell. This immediate judging after one’s death is called particular judgment.

Final judgment looks to that end-time when Christ will come again, bringing the fullness of the kingdom of God. At this end-time, Christ will judge the works and hearts of all people, nations, and times (CCC 679).

Christians are called to the path of life. Those who follow Jesus, follow “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:16). Following the way of Jesus leads to everlasting life.

• What are God’s children called to?
• How do you live as a child of God?
• What helps you to have faith in God’s plan for your happiness?

 

The Gospel in Life

How can you show love and gratitude to God this week?

 

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition

At Home Family Guide, theme 21
Grade 4, chapter 10
Grade 5, chapter 10
Grade 6, chapter 10