Third Sunday of Easter – Year B
April 30, 2006

Primary Session
Luke 24:35-48

Opening Prayer

Let us pray.
Thank you God, for loving us so much that you sent Jesus to bring us new life.
Help us to live as followers of Jesus each day.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.


Opening Life Reflection
The main topic for today is Evangelization. For today’s session prepare a long sheet of newsprint paper with the words “Jesus is Risen” written in large bold letters in the center. To begin, invite the children to decorate the banner with Easter symbols such as butterflies, the rising sun, flowers, etc, using crayons, markers and stickers. Explain to the children that the banner will be used to spread the Good News about Jesus in the days ahead. Discuss:

• What good news have you heard recently?
• Why is the resurrection of Jesus good news?
• Who can you share the good news about Jesus with?

Allow time for discussion. God raised Jesus from death to new life. The resurrection of Jesus is good news because Jesus brings new life to us.

Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel today the Risen Jesus appears to his friends. Listen to find out what happens.

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

Scripture Discussion Starters
• 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 his friends?
• Why are the disciples frightened?
• What does Jesus do?

Scripture Background

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

In today’s gospel two disciples meet Jesus while traveling down the road to Emmaus. When they return home they can’t wait 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 telling the disciples to go out and be “witnesses of all these things.”

This passage points out that every follower of Jesus is called to spread the good news about Jesus. An evangelizer is willing to spread the message of God’s love throughout the world.

Questions for Deeper Reflection

• How does Jesus bring peace and forgiveness to you?
• How can you bring Jesus’ peace and forgiveness to others?
• Why is it important to tell others the Good News about Jesus?

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

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
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 for all people a new way of life. This new way of life leads to happiness with God forever in heaven. This is great news! Through Jesus we are offered forgiveness, love and eternal life. All believers are called to share the good news about Jesus Christ with others.

• What is the “Good News” about Jesus?
• What is evangelization?
• How does evangelization help people?

Sacrament Connection
The sacrament of Confirmation completes the sacrament of Baptism and it 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
Grade 1, p. 271
Grade 2, p. 271 and chapter 15
Grade 3, p. 271

Connecting to Faith First®
At Home Family Guide, theme 27
Kindergarten, p. 169
Grade 1, p. 258
Grade 2, p. 310 and chapter 15
Grade 3, p. 310

The Gospel in Life
Who can you tell the “Good News” of Jesus this week?