Junior High Session
Isaiah 66:10-14c
Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
All-loving God, our mother and our father,
you care for your children with tenderness and mercy.
Help us to be messengers of your goodness throughout the world.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is evangelization. Begin by having the youngsters brainstorm the following: What is it about Jesus that brings you joy, comfort, and peace. Write down their responses. Then discuss:
• Does knowing Jesus help bring peace and joy into your life?
• Is it important to tell others about Jesus?
• How can you help other young people get to know Jesus?

Allow time for discussion. When we spread the good news about Jesus Christ to others we continue the work of evangelization.

Listening to the Word of God
In today’s first reading listen to how God is described.

Read Isaiah 66:10-14c.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• How is God described in this reading?
• How is God like a mother?
• Who is given encouragement?

In the gospel reading listen to learn what the followers of Jesus are sent out to do.

Read Luke 10:1-12, 17-20.
Allow for silence.

• How does Jesus send out seventy followers?
• What does Jesus mean by saying, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few?”
• What are the evangelizers to do if they are rejected?
• What do those who were sent out say to Jesus when they return?

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

The Old Testament reading today presents a tender image of God as a nurturing mother. God is like a mother who cares for and comforts her children. This passage from the book of Isaiah was written after the exile when the Jewish people needed encouragement for the great task of rebuilding their society. This reading offers God’s people assurance that they will prosper.

In the gospel reading today Jesus sends seventy followers out on a mission. They are to cure the sick and spread the good news of the kingdom of God. For this important mission the seventy are not sent out alone. Jesus sends them in pairs. To every home they enter they are to bring peace. Jesus warns these first evangelists that they may be rejected. He also tells them that “the harvest is rich.”

A rich harvest symbolizes the day when the promise of salvation is fulfilled, when the kingdom of God is fully present. On their mission, the first evangelists experience the presence of God’s kingdom on earth when they cure the sick and expel demons from people who are afflicted. They return to Jesus filled with excitement and joy because they know that although the kingdom of God is not yet fully present, they have succeeded on their mission to build God’s kingdom on earth. Jesus tells his followers that their names are written in heaven and they will be with God forever.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• Why does Jesus send the seventy out in pairs?
• How are people today rejected for doing good?
• Where do you find the courage to risk being rejected in order to follow Jesus?
• What can you do to help bring about God’s kingdom on earth?

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

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
The Church Exists in order to Evangelize
Jesus Christ is the good news of God who proclaimed by his life, death and resurrection the presence of God’s kingdom. The Church continues to spread the good news of Jesus. The Church evangelizes by preaching, teaching, healing, and spreading the kingdom of God on earth.

As followers of Jesus we take on the mission of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ throughout the world. We continue the work of the first evangelists, to go out and teach, heal, and build the kingdom of God on earth.

• How do you continue the mission of the first evangelists?
• Where do you find the strength to spread the good news of Jesus to others?
• How can Jesus help young people find peace and joy?

The Gospel in Life
As followers of Jesus we continue the mission of the first evangelists to spread the good news of Jesus throughout the world. What good news about Jesus can you share with a friend or family member this week?

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 22
Junior High, Church History, chapters 5, 6 and 9

Connecting to Faith First® Original Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 22
Junior High, Liturgy and Morality, chapters 22 and 23