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Eighteenth
Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A
July 31, 2005
Intermediate Session
Isaiah 55:1-3
Matthew 14:13-21
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Thank you, God, for inviting us to share in the meal of Eucharist.
Help us to be a sign of your presence to those around us.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is Eucharist as meal. To begin, provide index cards,
pencils and crayons for the children. Invite them to write a special mealtime
prayer that will remind them and their family of the love of Jesus and
the love of their family. They can use the crayons to decorate the prayer
card. Discuss:
- Why is sharing a meal a special thing to do?
- When does your family share meals?
- What special meal do we share with our Church family?
Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament reading, listen to hear how God will give the people what they need.
Read Isaiah 55:1-3.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- What do the people need?
- Why is food and drink offered without price?
- What will God give the people?
Read Matthew 14:13-21.
Allow for silence.
- Why do the disciples want to send the crowds away?
- How much bread and fish do they start out with?
- How does Jesus feed thousands of people?
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings using the Catechist Background section.
In the Old Testament reading today, the prophet Isaiah calls out for the people to come and let God satisfy their hunger. God cares for the people and will give them what they need. There is no charge, the food and drink from God is free. All are invited without cost, so that God may provide true nourishment.
Today’s gospel story of Jesus feeding thousands of people is very important. It is retold six times in the gospels, which shows that the early Church found great meaning in the story. The disciples want to send the people away because they do not have enough food to feed the large crowd. Jesus tells the disciples to feed the people. Jesus looks up to heaven and blesses the five loaves of bread and two fish. He sends his disciples out to share it with the people. Not only is there enough to eat, but there are leftovers.
In today’s passage, Jesus feeds a large crowd of people by multiplying five loaves of bread and two fish. The symbolism of the loaves and fish reflects the early Christian community’s faith in the Eucharist. For the Church today, the story reinforces that Jesus is the “bread of life,” who nourishes us in the Eucharist.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- How do today’s readings show God’s care for us?
- How does the story of the loaves and fish relate to the Church’s belief in the Eucharist?
- How can we share food with those who are hungry?
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Eucharist as Meal
Catholics believe that when we gather for the special meal of Eucharist we are connected as brothers and sisters of Jesus. Sharing in the Eucharist unites us with Jesus. This sacramental meal is not like any other act of eating and drinking. Those who eat and drink the sacred meal of Eucharist have a share in the death and eternal life of Jesus. Sharing the Eucharist nourishes our communion with God and with one another.
The Eucharist is spiritual food that helps to strengthen our ability to love others and follow Jesus. At Mass, we believe that the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus. Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist is our food and drink. The Church encourages the faithful to receive Eucharist every Sunday.
- Why is the Eucharist a very important meal?
- What do we celebrate in the sacrament of Eucharist?
- How does sharing in the meal of Eucharist strengthen our friendship with Jesus and with one another?
Grade 4 Chapter 12, pp. 126-127
Grade 5 Chapter 14, pp. 144-147
Grade 6 Chapters 15 and 16
The Gospel in Life
This week use your mealtime prayer to remind you and your family of the love that you share.
