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

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
O God, through our baptism
we share in Christ’s work as priest, prophet, and king.
Help us to be your faithful servants.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is faith. Begin the session with a “Trust Walk” activity. Divide the youngsters into pairs and provide each pair with a blindfold. Have the young people decide which one of them will be blindfolded. Prepare a small obstacle course around the room. Then invite the blindfolded person to trust their partner to guide them around the obstacle course. If time permits, have the young people switch roles. Discuss:
• What was it like to be blindfolded and have to trust someone to guide you?
• Did you have faith in your partner?
• How are faith and trust related?
• How can the “Trust Walk” activity teach you about faith in God?

Allow time for discussion. Faith enables us to trust in a God who loves and cares for us. Faith leads to action and it helps us spread God’s love throughout the world.

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

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

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

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

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

• What example does Jesus use to teach his disciples about faith?
• What point does Jesus make about faith?
• What does Jesus tell his disciples about only doing what is required of them?

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

In the Old Testament reading today 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 today’s 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 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 trust God to answer your prayers?
• Are all prayers answered immediately? Explain.
• How is your faith like a mustard seed?
• How does your faith in God lead to action?

[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 Christ’s work?
• How does the ordained priesthood differ from the common priesthood?
• How do ordained ministers serve the Church?

The Gospel in Life
As a faithful follower of Jesus, how can you serve others this week?

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 10
Junior High, Church and Sacraments, chapter 12

Connecting to Faith First® Original Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 10
Junior High, Liturgy & Morality, chapter 9