Third Sunday of Easter – Year B
April 30, 2006

Junior High Session
Acts 3:13-15, 17-19
Luke 24:35-48

Opening Prayer

Let us pray.
Loving God,
You have saved us from sin and death, by raising Jesus from the dead.
Help us to spread the good news of salvation to others.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
The main topic for today is Evangelization. To begin invite the young people to go on a friendship walk with a partner. Have each person share with their partner an event that was “good news” for them. After a few moments of walking and talking, invite the pairs to come together and form a large group. Discuss:

• When do you need to talk to someone who is close to you?
• What is it like to share good news with someone?
• What “good news” do we celebrate during the Easter season?

Allow time for discussion. During the Easter season we celebrate the good news that Jesus Christ has saved us from sin and death. We are called to go out and spread the good news about God’s saving love.

Listening to the Word of God
In the first reading from Acts of the Apostles listen to Peter speak about the need to turn to God.

Read Acts 3:13-15, 17-19.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• What does Peter tell those who killed Jesus?
• What does Peter preach about forgiveness?
• Why does Peter tell his listeners to turn to God?

In the gospel today the Risen Jesus appears to the disciples. Listen to find out what happens.

Read Luke 24:35-48.
Allow for silence.

• What happens to the disciples on the road to Emmaus?
• What do the two from Emmaus tell the others?
• What does Jesus say when he appears to the disciples?

Scripture Background

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

In the first reading from Acts of the Apostles Peter preaches about the resurrection of Jesus. He relates the events of Jesus’ death and resurrection to the scriptures. Peter points out that those who put Jesus to death are now in need of forgiveness. He calls for a change of heart. Peter’s speech urges the people to turn to God, so that their sins may be wiped out. Peter is a witness for all followers of Jesus to go out and tell others the good news about Jesus Christ.

In today’s gospel two disciples meet Jesus on the road to Emmaus. They return to Jerusalem to share with the others what happened. Suddenly, the Risen Jesus appears to the disciples once again. Jesus greets his friends with “Peace,” and then he invites them to eat with him. As they eat together Jesus explains the scriptures. Jesus ends his visit by commanding the disciples to go out and be “witnesses of all these things.” Today’s passage points out that every follower of Jesus is called to evangelize. An evangelizer is willing to share the Good News of Jesus and spread his message throughout the world.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• How do you know when it is time to change your ways?
• Who are some witnesses for Jesus that you know?
• How can followers of Jesus spread his message of forgiveness and love throughout the world?

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

Doctrinal Discussion Starter
Evangelization
To evangelize means to announce the good news. Evangelization is an effort to help others come to know Jesus Christ, and his body, the Church. The evangelizer must witness for others how to live as a follower of Christ in the world. Evangelization spreads the good news that Jesus Christ has saved us from sin and death and opened a new way of life for all people. This new way of life leads to happiness with God forever. This is great news! Through a loving savior we are offered forgiveness, love, and eternal life. All believers are called to share the good news about Jesus Christ with others.

• What does it mean to evangelize?
• How do Christians evangelize today?
• How does hearing the good news help you to change?

Sacrament Connection
The sacrament of Confirmation completes the sacrament of Baptism and deepens our new life in Christ. Confirmation strengthens us to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ by word and deed. Confirmed believers are called to be fearless witnesses to Christ in the world.

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 27
Junior High, Church and Sacraments, chapter 9

Connecting to Faith First®
At Home Family Guide, theme 27
Junior High, Creed and Prayer, p. 341
Junior High, Liturgy and Morality, p. 341

The Gospel in Life
How can your words and actions give witness to Jesus Christ this week?