Junior High Session
Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29
Luke 14:1, 7-14

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Lord God,
every good gift comes from you.
Help us to live our lives with humility and generosity.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
The main theme for today is concern for the poor. To begin, invite the young people to reflect on what they believe to be the causes of poverty today. Have them brainstorm the causes of poverty throughout the world and then narrow the focus to the causes of poverty in the United States. Discuss:
• Are there enough resources to meet the basic needs of all people in the world?
• What essential things help to provide a person with a healthy life? Do the poor have access to these essentials?
• What does the term “working poor” mean?

Allow time for discussion. In the United States today the fastest growing number of people living in poverty are the “working poor.” These are people who work hard each day but do not make enough money to provide for their own basic needs or the needs of their families. The plight of the poor today is a concern for all Christians. We are called to care for those most in need.

Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament reading listen to an important message about humility.

Read Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• What does this reading tell us about humility?
• How is God glorified?
• How is greatness measured in this reading?

In today’s gospel listen to Jesus tell his followers to welcome the poor and outcast.

Read Luke 14:1, 7-14.
Allow for silence.

• Why does Jesus tell the story about a wedding banquet?
• In the story what seat is it best to take?
• What will happen to those who exalt themselves?
• What will happen to those who humble themselves?
• Who does Jesus tell his followers to invite to a dinner?

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

The first reading from the Old Testament was written at a time when Israel was searching for wisdom and truth. The author writes about God’s ways in the world in order to help his people rely on the wisdom of God over any other source of guidance.

This reading from the Old Testament brings to light the importance of humility in the sight of God and it warns against being prideful. The point is made that the humble glorify God.

In today’s gospel Jesus goes beyond the lesson of humility and includes a lesson in hospitality. Jesus advises his listeners, “when giving a dinner invite the poor, the crippled the lame and blind.” Those who welcome the poor and the outcast will be blessed.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• How can being prideful cause harm?
• Why does God bless those who welcome the poor and outcast?
• How do you welcome the poor and outcast?

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

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Preferential Option for the Poor
Christians are called to side with the poor because scripture tells us that the poor are God’s concern. In our Catholic teaching the Preferential Option for the Poor recognizes that the Church should have a commitment to those most in need.

The Church’s social teaching relies on the notion of the “common good,” which is the understanding that all people have a right to conditions which allow them to live healthy and fulfilled lives. Working toward the common good includes making accessible to all people basic things such as food, clothing, housing, health, work, education, culture, suitable information, the right to establish a family, privacy, and so on. (CCC 1908)

It is the obligation of all Christians to promote the common good and fight the causes of poverty. We believe that God blesses those who help the poor. When we have compassion for the poor and work for social justice we make God’s love present in the world.

• What basic things do most poor people live without?
• How can you help promote the common good in your community?
• Name people you know who side with the poor.

The Gospel in Life
How can you learn more about organizations that exist to help fight the causes of poverty? Learn what you can this week.

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 13
Junior High, Church History, chapter 12
Junior High, Morality, chapter 5

Connecting to Faith First® Original Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 13
Junior High, Creed and Prayer, chapter 24
Junior High, Liturgy and Morality, chapter 14