Primary Session
Luke 15:1-32 [or 15:1-10]

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
God our Father, you want us to live as your children.
Help us to ask for forgiveness when we make choices that turn against you.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is reconciliation. Begin with a scavenger hunt. Divide the children into two teams. Give each team a paper bag and a list of items such as a paper clip, a pencil, a rubber band, etc. Have the items hidden around the room in advance. Then send the two teams off on a scavenger hunt. When all the items are found gather all the children together. Discuss:
• What was it like to find the items on your list?
• Have you ever found something that was lost?
• How does it feel to find something that has been lost?

Allow time for discussion. When we make wrong and hurtful choices we can lose our way to God. When we ask for forgiveness, we find our way back to God.

Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel reading listen to Jesus teach about God’s forgiveness.

Read Luke 15:1-32 [or 15:1-10].
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• Why does Jesus welcome sinners?
• What stories does Jesus tell?
• What do these stories tell us about God?

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

In today’s gospel Jesus teaches about the forgiveness of God. Jesus tells stories to help his listeners learn about God. These stories are also called parables. Today’s parables teach that God rejoices when sinners ask for forgiveness.

In the first parable about the lost sheep God is like the shepherd who goes after his lost sheep until he finds it. When the sheep is found, the shepherd carries it tenderly on his shoulders back home. This story shows that God is tender and loving.

In the second parable about the lost coin, God is like the woman who searches for the lost coin until it is found. When the coin is found she is happy and joyful. This story reveals how God rejoices in the return of those who have been lost.

The last parable of the prodigal son shows how the father is happy and filled with joy because his son came home. God is like the father in this parable.

In all three parables Jesus teaches about God’s love. God rejoices over the return of sinners. It is the Church’s mission to welcome home those who have been lost.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• How do you say that you are sorry when you have done something wrong?
• How do you ask God for forgiveness?
• How do you forgive others?

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

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
The Church’s Ministry of Reconciliation
Jesus came to bring us closer to God. Throughout Jesus’ ministry he reached out to those who were lost and forgotten. He healed those who were broken. The healing love of Jesus welcomes us back to our true home with God.

Sometimes we make wrong choices. Sometimes we hurt others or ourselves with our choices and we need to ask for forgiveness. We often need help finding our way back to God.

The Church helps us find our way back to God. God forgives us and welcomes us back when we are sorry. The sacrament of Reconciliation celebrates God’s gift of forgiveness. When we ask for forgiveness God rejoices and welcomes us back home.

• Why do we sometimes need forgiveness?
• What happens when we ask God for forgiveness?
• Why do we celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation?

The Gospel in Life
How can you forgive others this week?

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 9
Kindergarten, chapter 23
Grade 2, chapter 13
Grade 3, chapter 15

Connecting to Faith First® Original Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 9
Kindergarten, chapter 23
Grade 2, chapter 13
Grade 3, chapter 12