Intermediate Session
Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4
Luke 17:5-10

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Faithful God,
Thank you for the gift of faith.
In times of doubt, help us to believe.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is faith. To begin, invite the children to write one sentence of encouragement to help someone have faith. Provide them with small strips of paper and pencils. Give the children examples for a sentence of encouragement such as; Trust in God. God loves you and will take care of you. God hears your prayers, etc. Discuss:
• What helps you to have faith in God?
• When do you find it difficult to have faith?
• How can you help others to have faith?

Allow time for discussion. Faith is the fuel that helps us live as followers of Jesus. When we have faith we are able to do amazing things.

Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament reading listen to how God challenges the prophet Habakkuk to have faith.

Read Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• Why does the prophet Habakkuk cry out to God?
• What is the prophet struggling with?
• How does God answer Habakkuk?

In the gospel today listen to what Jesus tells his disciples about faith.

Read Luke 17:5-10.
Allow for silence.

• How does Jesus teach his disciples about faith?
• What does faith give people the ability to do?
• How much faith does a person need to have?
• What does Jesus tell his disciples about only doing what they are told to do?

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

In today’s Old Testament reading the prophet Habakkuk questions God. The prophet asks why God allows evil to flourish in the world while good people suffer. It is clear that the violence and destruction that surrounds Habakkuk troubles him. Out of desperation the prophet cries out to God for help. God answers Habakkuk and tells him to write down the vision he receives and to trust that his prayers will be answered in their own time. The prophet is encouraged to have faith and to press forward trusting in God.

In the gospel Jesus teaches his disciples about faith. Using the example of a tiny mustard seed, Jesus makes the point that even the smallest amount of faith can enable one to do amazing things. The gospel passage goes on to compare the disciples with servants or slaves. Jesus challenges his disciples to reach beyond just following rules and doing what is expected of them. Jesus makes it clear that if the disciples do only what is required of them, they have only done the minimum. Faith enables those who follow Jesus to go beyond doing the minimum and to actively spread peace, justice, and love throughout the world.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• Do you have faith that God will answer your prayers?
• How is your faith like a mustard seed?
• What does faith in God help you to do?

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

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
The Sacrament of Holy Orders
Through Baptism and Confirmation all believers are anointed in the common priesthood to share in Christ’s work as priest, prophet, and king. The common priesthood empowers the faithful to spread God’s love, peace, and justice throughout the world.

In the Catholic Church there is a difference between the common priesthood of all believers and the ordained priesthood. The ordained priesthood is conferred by the sacrament of Holy Orders. In the sacrament of Holy Orders bishops, priests, and deacons are ordained to serve the whole Church.

• How do you share in the work of Jesus?
• How does the ordained priesthood differ from the common priesthood?
• How do ordained ministers serve the people of God?

The Gospel in Life
This week share your sentence of encouragement (from the opening activity) with someone who needs it.

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 10
Grade 4, chapter 16
Grade 5, chapter 17
Grade 6, chapter 18

Connecting to Faith First® Original Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 10
Grade 4, chapter 16
Grade 5, chapter 17
Grade 6, chapter 18