Intermediate Session
2 Kings 5:14-17
Luke 17:11-19

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
O God,
thank you for the gift of life and all creation.
And thank you for the gift of Jesus.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is prayer of thanksgiving. To begin invite each child to create a thank you card for God. Provide construction paper and markers for the children. When they are finished, give them an opportunity to share their thank you cards with the large group. Discuss:
• What are you most thankful for?
• How do you thank God?
• When do you take the time to thank God?

Allow time for discussion. God gives us many gifts and blessings. When we pray prayers of thanksgiving we thank God for every blessing.

Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament reading listen to how Naaman gives thanks to God.

Read 2 Kings 5:14-17.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• What does God’s prophet tell Naaman to do?
• How is Naaman healed?
• How does Naaman give thanks to God?

In the gospel today listen to find out how many cured lepers give thanks to God.

Read Luke 17:11-19.
Allow for silence.

• How many lepers does Jesus heal?
• How does Jesus heal them?
• How many cured lepers come back to give thanks?
• How does the Samaritan show his gratitude?

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

The Old Testament reading today was written to give encouragement to God’s people when Jerusalem was being destroyed. This passage tells of a foreigner named Naaman who is miraculously healed through the prophet Elisha.

When Naaman is healed he gives thanks to the prophet and gives praise to the God of Israel. Naaman shows his gratitude by offering two mule-loads of dirt for the prophet’s servant to bring home so that he can worship the God of Israel. When this passage was written it was believed that deities could not be worshipped except on their own soil. This gesture is a great sign of faith and thanksgiving.

In the gospel today a miraculous healing takes place and we find another genuine expression of gratitude. When Jesus cures ten lepers, the sole person to return and give thanks is a Samaritan, an outsider to the people of Israel. Luke point’s out that it is the foreigner who is open to Jesus and his message.

The cured Samaritan shows his adoration and overwhelming gratitude by coming to Jesus and prostrating himself, lying flat on the ground before him. The gratitude that the Samaritan shows is a true response of faith. Not only is he cured but he is saved as well.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• Where do you find God’s blessings in the world?
• Why do we thank God?
• Do you remember to give thanks to God?

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

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Prayer of Thanksgiving
There are five basic types of prayer named in our Catholic tradition. They are adoration, petition, intercession, thanksgiving and praise. The scriptures this Sunday powerfully illustrate the prayer of thanksgiving.

All of life and creation is a gift from God. The position of the Church is one of thanksgiving for all God’s gifts, especially God’s saving action in Jesus. Through Jesus, all life and creation are redeemed and set free from sin.

The word Eucharist is Greek for “thanksgiving.” We give thanks to God for the saving sacrifice of Jesus which is made present when we gather together to share in the Eucharistic banquet.

The thanksgiving that we offer God not only takes place when Eucharist is celebrated. Every moment and every need is an opportunity to thank God. When we take the time to thank God we show our appreciation for all of life’s blessings.

• How do you pray?
• Why is every moment an opportunity to thank God?
• How can you show God that you appreciate the blessings of creation?

The Gospel in Life
Make a special effort to pray a prayer of thanksgiving every day this week.

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 16
Grade 4, chapter 24
Grade 5, chapter 24
Grade 6, chapter 24

Connecting to Faith First® Original Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 16
Grade 4, chapter 24
Grade 5, chapter 24
Grade 6, chapter 24