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Eighteenth Sunday
in Ordinary Time - Year A
July 31, 2005
Primary Session
Matthew 14:13-21
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Thank you, God, for taking care of us and giving us what we need.
Help us to share what we have with others.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is Eucharist as meal. To begin provide small brown
lunch bags and crayons for the children. Invite the children to imagine
that the best lunch that they could ever have is packed in their lunch
bag. Have the children write or draw their favorite lunch on their bag.
Discuss:
- Why is food good for us?
- Who gives you the food you need?
- How does God give us what we need?
Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel today, listen to the story of Jesus feeding crowds of hungry people.
Read Matthew 14:13-21.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- Why do the disciples want to send the crowds away?
- Why does Jesus want to feed the many people?
- How much food do they have to begin with?
- How does Jesus feed thousands of people?
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.
In today’s gospel, Jesus feeds thousands of people with five loaves of bread and two fish. This 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 people away because they do not have enough food to feed them. 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 this story Jesus feeds many people. He shows them how much God cares for them. The story of Jesus feeding the crowds reminds us of how Jesus feeds us in the Eucharist. Jesus is the “bread of life,” who shares his life with us in the meal of Eucharist.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- What does today’s gospel story teach about God?
- How does the story of the loaves and fish remind us of the meal of Eucharist?
- How can we you show God’s love and care for others?
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Eucharist as Meal
Catholics believe that when we gather for the special meal of Eucharist we are joined closer with one another and with Jesus. Eucharist is our food that gives us strength and helps us to grow. Sharing in the meal of Eucharist helps us 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 us to receive Eucharist every Sunday.
- Why is the Eucharist a special meal?
- What are the bread and wine changed into at Eucharist?
- What does sharing in the meal of Eucharist help us to do?
Grade 1 Chapter 14, pp. 116-119
Grade 2 Chapter 17, pp. 172-177
Grade 3 Chapter 16, pp. 162-165
The Gospel in Life
How can you thank God this week for all the gifts that you have been given?
