Primary Session
Matthew 5:1-12

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
O God, thank you for creating us with loving hearts.
Help us to live as your children.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is Christian morality. To begin, brainstorm with the children what classroom rules they think can help them live as children of God. Choose three rules to post in the room. Discuss:
• How does God want us to live?
• Why do we have rules?
• How can our actions show our love for God and others?

Allow time for discussion. God made us with loving hearts. When we make good and loving choices we live as God’s children.

Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel reading today listen to Jesus teach about the way to happiness.

Read Matthew 5:1-12.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• Where does Jesus go to teach the people?
• What does Jesus teach about happiness?
• Who are the “blessed”?

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

In the gospel today Jesus goes to the mountaintop to teach about true happiness. The author of today’s gospel shows Jesus to be the new Moses, giving people the new commandments from the mountaintop.

Jesus begins each statement of the new law with “Blessed are…” The first four commandments state that the little ones who suffer are “blessed “ in God’s kingdom. The next four highlight those who work to bring about the kingdom of God. The happiness that Jesus teaches about in the Sermon on the Mount comes from loving God and others.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• Why are the “blessed” happy?
• What does Jesus teach about happiness?
• What does Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount teach us?

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

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Foundations of Christian Morality
God created all human beings with God’s law of love within their hearts. For Catholics, living a moral life includes following God’s law. The sense of right and wrong that God has placed within all people is called Natural Law. It helps us to know good and evil.

It is not always easy to know what is good and what is evil. We learn about what is good from the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, the scriptures, the teachings of the Church, and the lives of faithful believers.

We are free to choose either good or evil. Loving God and wanting to please God helps us to make good choices. The Beatitudes show us that true happiness is found when we love God and live as God’s children.

• What helps us to know what is good and what is evil?
• What helps you make good and loving choices?
• What do the Beatitudes teach us?

The Gospel in Life
At home this week, work with your family to list three family rules that can help you live as followers of Jesus.

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 12
Kindergarten, chapter 19
Grade 1, chapter 19
Grade 2, chapter 18
Grade 3, chapter 19

Connecting to Faith First® Original Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 12
Kindergarten, chapter 19
Grade 1, chapter 19
Grade 2, chapter 18
Grade 3, chapter 19