Primary Session
Luke 17:5-10
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Dear God,
you want us to have faith in you.
Help make our faith strong.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is faith. For today’s session bring in pictures of adults caring for children. To begin, show the children pictures of adults caring for children. Ask the children to describe what they see in the pictures. Discuss:
- Who are the people that take care of you?
- How does God take care of you?
- Do you have faith that God loves and cares for you?
Allow time for discussion. When we think of the adults who love us it may be hard to imagine that God loves us even more. When we have faith in God we believe that God is always there for us. Faith in God helps us to care for others.
Listening to the Word of God
In the Gospel today listen to what Jesus teaches his disciples about faith.
Read Luke 17:5-10.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- What do the disciples want Jesus to do?
- What does Jesus tell his disciples about faith?
- Why does Jesus use the example of a mustard seed?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel.
In the Gospel today Jesus teaches his disciples about faith. Using the example of a tiny mustard seed, Jesus makes the point that even the smallest amount of faith can enable someone to do amazing things.
The Gospel passage goes on to compare the disciples with servants or slaves. Jesus encourages his disciples to go beyond just doing what they are told so that they can care for others.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- How is your faith like a tiny mustard seed?
- What does faith in God help you to do?
- When do you reach out to care for others?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
The Sacrament of Holy Orders
Through Baptism and Confirmation we are joined with Jesus in the common priesthood of all believers. The common priesthood helps us to spread God’s love, peace, and justice throughout the world.
In the Catholic Church there is a difference between the common priesthood of all believers and the ordained priesthood. In the sacrament of Holy Orders bishops, priests, and deacons are ordained to serve the whole Church.
- How do you spread God’s love?
- How do bishops, priests and deacons serve God’s people?
- How do bishops, priests or deacons help you?
The Gospel in Life
How can you spread God’s love this week?
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 10
Kindergarten, chapter 9
Grade 1, chapter 17
Grade 2, chapter 17
Grade 3, chapter 17