Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time– Year B
January 29, 2006

Primary Session
Mark 1:21-28

Opening Prayer

Dear God,
Thank you for sending us Jesus to teach us how to live. Help us listen to his words and do what he says. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.


Opening Life Reflection
Make a collage of people with authority. You may use photos, computer images, newspaper or magazine clippings, or drawings from the students. The people in today's gospel recognized Jesus' authority. Let's think about some ways we recognize authority.

• Who are people with authority in our lives?
• How are teachers and people with authority like Jesus?
• What do you do when people with authority talk to you?

Allow time for discussion. Jesus had the authority from God to teach God's word and perform miracles. He taught his listeners and performed miracles so that all people might understand the reign of God.

Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel today, Jesus was teaching at the synagogue. While he was there, he made an evil spirit leave a man's body.

Read Mark 1:21-28
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• Where does Jesus' authority come from?
• How did Jesus use his authority?
• How does Jesus' authority help us?

Scripture Background

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

Much of Jesus' teaching takes place in a synagogue and specifically in today's reading the synagogue at Capernaum is filled with Jewish people from Galilee. His listeners are surprised by the knowledge and authority of Jesus. Especially he surprises them when he casts out an evil spirit from one of the men. The evil spirit recognizes who Jesus is and calls him "the Holy One of God." The people don't understand this meaning. Only the evil spirit recognizes Jesus. The people, however, are impressed by Jesus' deeds and bring others to him for healing.

Questions for Deeper Reflection

• What do you think people thought about Jesus when they heard his words and saw his actions?
• How can trusting in Jesus help us be free?
• What are some of the ways we can still hear Jesus' voice today teaching us how to live?

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

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Jesus is prophet, teacher, and Lord.
Like prophets of the Old Testament, Jesus is a mediator between us and God. Unlike the other prophets, Jesus is the Word of God made flesh. He is the ultimate Word of God. Jesus is also a teacher because he is God's Son and can fully express and reveal God to humanity. Jesus teaches with authority and must be obeyed. He taught not only with words but with his actions and is truly a model of holiness.

Jesus is also "Lord." This title shows that we understand the divinity of Jesus and that he is given the same power, honor, and glory that is due to God. Because Jesus saved us from sin and wins a place for us in the kingdom of God, his name is above all others.

• In what ways do we see Jesus as prophet, teacher, and Lord?
• Why is it important that we recognize these three descriptions of Jesus?
• What are some other descriptions you can think of for Jesus?

Sacrament Connection
In the Eucharistic prayer, Jesus reminds us that he is always with us. The bread and the wine of Eucharist become his Body and Blood. The sacrament of Eucharist helps us remember that God is with us through Jesus, and we must always listen to and obey the words Jesus gave us. We know God through Jesus and every time we receive Eucharist, we know Jesus is with us as prophet, teacher and Lord.

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
Grade 1, chapter 3
Grade 2, chapter 5
Grade 3, chapter 5

Connecting to Faith First®
Grade 1, chapter 4
Grade 2, chapter 5
Grade 3, chapter 5

The Gospel in Life
Jesus had the power to drive out an evil spirit. Think of one thing you can do this week to help drive out evil in some area of your life.