Junior High Session
Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15
John 6:24-35

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
God of all good gifts,
We thank you for the gifts of life and love.
Help us to see all the blessings that surround us.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
The topic for today is Eucharistic Celebration. To begin, invite the young people to imagine that they have been selected to go on a two-week survival trip to the Sahara dessert. Explain that they can bring one backpack with clothes and only three basic necessity items with them. Provide paper and pencils and invite each person to write down what three necessity items they will bring. Invite volunteers to share why they chose the items on their list. Discuss:
• What basics do we need for survival?
• Who provides you with the things you need?
• When do you ask God for the things you need?

Allow time for discussion. We can count on God to give us what we need. God has sent us Jesus, the greatest gift of all. Jesus is the living bread that satisfies all our hungers.

Listening to the Word of God
Listen to learn what happens when the Israelites cry out for food in the wilderness.

Read Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• Why do the Israelites complain to Moses?
• What do the people need to survive in the wilderness?
• How does God respond to the needs of the Israelites?

In the gospel today listen to find out why the hungry people look to Jesus for bread.

Read John 6:24-35.
Allow for silence.

• Why are the people looking for Jesus?
• What does Jesus tell the crowd?
• What kind of bread is given for the life of the world?

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

In the first reading from the Old Testament, the people are grumbling to Moses because they are tired and hungry. The Israelites complain against God because they have been wandering in the desert for years. God responds to their cries about lack of food by providing quail and manna for them to eat. Moses helps the people understand that the food has come from God by calling the manna “the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.”

In the gospel Jesus discusses the real meaning of his miracles and teachings. When the crowd asks, “When did you come here?” Jesus accuses them of failing to understand the miracle he worked—the multiplication of loaves in last week’s gospel. The people came looking for him not because of the wonder he worked, but because of the bread that filled their bellies. Jesus wants the people to understand the real reason for the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Jesus tells them that he will give them food to satisfy a deeper hunger. The food that God offers lasts forever. Jesus is speaking of the bread of God which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. The people want Jesus to give them this bread. They do not see that standing before their eyes is Jesus, the bread of life.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• Why do people sometimes complain to God?
• When do you turn to God with your needs and wants?
• How can Jesus satisfy our deep hungers?

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

Doctrinal Discussion Starters

Eucharistic Celebration
From the earliest times, believers gathered together to break bread and celebrate the Eucharist. The basic structure of Mass as we celebrate it today has been handed down from those days. The structure has two parts. The first part of the Mass is called the Liturgy of the Word, and the second part is called the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

In the first part, the people gather to listen and respond to God’s Word that is proclaimed. After the readings, a homily is offered. This helps us understand and live the Gospel. We then pray for the needs of the Church, the world and our local parish. In the second part, the assembly brings the gifts of bread and wine to the altar. After these are prepared, the Eucharistic Prayer is offered. Then the whole assembly joins in singing or praying aloud the Lord’s Prayer before sharing communion. We receive the Body and Blood of Christ in Holy Communion. The presider then offers concluding prayers and we are sent forth to carry on the work of Jesus in the world.

When we share in the Eucharist we share in the fullness of the life of Jesus. We are given the strength to live as followers of Jesus.

• What is the basic structure of the Mass?
• How do you show reverence for the Eucharist?
• What do the words at the end of Mass, “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord” mean to you?

Sacrament Connection
We believe that Jesus Christ is really and truly present in the Eucharist. The consecrated bread, which is the Body of Christ, is called the Blessed Sacrament.

The Gospel in Life
Think of one way you will participate more fully in Mass this week.

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 27
Junior High, Church and Sacraments, chapter 10

Connecting to Faith First®
At Home Family Guide, theme 27
Junior High, Liturgy and Morality, chapter 6