Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time–Year B
September 17, 2006

Primary Session
Mark 8:27-35

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Lord Jesus,
You know how hard it is to carry a burden. Help us be strong and have courage when we have to do things that hard. Help us remember that you are always with us. Through Christ, Jesus. Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
On a large sheet of paper draw an image of Jesus or a simple cross. Invite children to write words or draw pictures surrounding the image that describes who Jesus is. Allow children to share their ideas with one another.

Listening to the Word of God
Peter believes that Jesus is the Christ, but he is not exactly clear on just what all that means.
Read Mark 8:27-35
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• Why do you think Peter was upset by what Jesus was saying?
• Why did Jesus tell Peter to get behind him?
• What did Jesus say was necessary for people to follow him?

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

In today’s gospel, Jesus turns at this point in Mark’s Gospel from teaching to beginning his journey toward Jerusalem where he will die, be buried, and rise from the dead. The disciples have come to the point where they understand Jesus is the Son of God, but they still have the idea that there is an earthly glory to this title. Peter in particular has a hard time understanding how Jesus will become the Messiah if he is to suffer and die. Jesus explains that all people who follow him must do the same and to begin following, Peter must get behind Jesus.

Questions for Deeper Reflection

• Why was it necessary for Jesus to correct Peter?
• What are some sacrifices that followers of Jesus make?
• What is good about being a follower of Jesus?

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

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
When Jesus asks us to follow him, we do so because we believe in him and what he teaches. A statement of our belief is called a creed. In the two creeds we most often say as Catholics (the Nicene Creed and the Apostles’ Creed), we state our belief that God’s self-revelation came in the person of Jesus. While we praise God and give thanks, we also affirm and make a commitment to our faith in that belief. Our response to follow Jesus means that we put others before ourselves.

• How can what we do as followers of Jesus bring about the Kingdom now?
• Why is it important that all believers work together to witness the Good News?
• How will you show people you are a believer this week?

Sacrament Connection
The Sacrament of Matrimony is celebrated when two baptized people are united in marriage. The man and woman joined in matrimony become a sign of Christ’s love for the Church and they form a new family, sometimes called the domestic Church. This new family is a place for practicing discipleship as family members often put other people’s needs before their own.

The Gospel in Life
What will you do this week to put your faith into action?

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, themes 3 and 20
Kindergarten, chapters 11, 13 and 14
Grade 1, chapter 9
Grade 2, chapters 5 and 8
Grade 3, chapters 9 and 25

Connecting to Faith First®
At Home Family Guide, themes 3 and 20
Kindergarten, chapters 11, 13 and 14
Grade 1, chapter 9
Grade 2, chapters 5 and 8
Grade 3, chapters 10 and 25

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