Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A
October 30, 2005

Primary Session
Matthew 23:1-12

Opening Prayer

Let us pray.
Thank you, God, for sending us good teachers who show us how to live as your children.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.


Opening Life Reflection
The topic for today is the role of the Magisterium. To begin write the word “Teacher” vertically down the left side of a chalkboard or sheet of poster paper. Invite the children to brainstorm the role of a teacher using each letter of the word. Write down their responses. Discuss:

• What do you like most about teachers?
• What do teachers do?
• Who are the teachers in the Church?

Allow time for discussion. The name given to the people who have teaching authority in the Church is the Magisterium. The role of the Magisterium is to teach us how to live our faith in the world.

Listening to the Word of God

In today’s gospel listen to find out what Jesus tells us about religious leaders and teachers.

Read Matthew 23:1-12.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• What does Jesus tell the people about the scribes and Pharisees?
• Do the religious leaders practice what they teach?
• What does Jesus teach about being the greatest?

Scripture Background

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

In today’s gospel Jesus tells his listeners to do what the religious leaders say, but not what they do. Jesus accepts the teaching authority of the religious leaders, but at the same time he points out that their words do not always match their actions. Many of the scribes and Pharisees were overly concerned with power and status. Jesus tells his followers to forget about status and concentrate on serving others. Being the greatest means being willing to serve others.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• How do teachers teach by their example?
• Why does Jesus want religious leaders to serve others?
• How is Jesus the greatest teacher?

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

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
The Role of the Magisterium
The term “Magisterium” is used in the Church to refer to the teaching authority of the pope and bishops. The pope is the leader of the Church. The pope appoints bishops who serve as teachers and leaders of the Church throughout the world.

The purpose of the Magisterium is to guide people in faith and morals. We are required to accept the teaching authority of the Church leadership today, just as Jesus accepted the teaching authority of the religious leaders of his time. Leaders in the Church have a great responsibility to guide the people and not lead them astray. Religious leaders and teachers are called to serve the people of God.

• Who is the pope?
• What is the purpose of the Magisterium?
• How do Church leaders teach us how to live as God’s children?

Sacrament Connection
In the sacrament of Holy Orders, bishops, priests, and deacons are ordained to serve the people of God. They serve the Church by proclaiming and preaching God’s Word, leading us in celebrating the sacraments, and guiding us in living the Gospel.

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
Grade 3, chapter 7

Connecting to Faith First®
Kindergarten, chapter 12
Grade 3, chapter 7

The Gospel in Life
How can you learn more about our Pope this week?