Intermediate Session
Amos 8:4-7
Luke 16:1-13

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Generous God, in your wisdom
you have created each of us with different abilities.
Help us to be use our gifts to help others.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is social justice. To begin invite the children to brainstorm all the gifts and abilities that God has blessed them with. Write down their responses. Discuss:
• Why did God create us with different gifts?
• Is it important to use our gifts to help others?
• How do other people’s gifts and abilities help you?

Allow time for discussion. God wants us to share our gifts with others. When we use our gifts and abilities for the good of the world we live as God’s children.

Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament reading listen to how the people refuse to share with the poor.

Read Amos 8:4-7.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• What is being done to the poor and needy?
• How are the people being greedy?
• What does the Lord say?

In today’s gospel listen to Jesus tell his followers to be faithful.

Read Luke 16:1-13.
Allow for silence.

• How does Jesus tell his followers to be faithful?
• What lesson does Jesus teach with the story about the dishonest manager?
• What does Jesus tell his followers about God and wealth?

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

Today’s passage from the Old Testament was written at a time when the poor were treated unfairly and greed was commonplace. The purpose of Amos’ message is to help the people see the truth about their lives before God.

God intended for all people to benefit by living according to the Law, especially the poor. Following God’s Law includes not lying or cheating, and it demands that the Sabbath be kept holy. This first reading shows how the people try to go around the Law of God for their own personal gain, and this displeases God.

In today’s gospel Luke makes the point that the way people use their God-given gifts tells a lot about them. If people share their talents and possessions for the benefit of the world, they are on the path to eternal life. If they are greedy with their gifts, they are on the path to destruction.

Today’s gospel stresses that we show our faithfulness to God by our actions. Being faithful means serving God alone. People can be tempted to turn away from God and worship money or possessions. This passage makes it clear that we cannot serve both God and wealth. The choice is ours. Each person must choose a single master.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• How does greed get in the way of helping the poor?
• What does it mean to be faithful?
• How can riches keep a person from being faithful to God?

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

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Social Justice: Part I
The Church teaches that justice is “the strong and firm will to give each person their due”(ST 2-2.58.1). The purpose of justice is to protect the dignity of the person and protect the basic human rights that flow from this dignity.

God created people with differences. Our differences, including our abilities, our situations and our station in life, demand that we work together for the benefit of all. While each person is of equal value and created in the image and likeness of God, our personal gifts are not distributed equally and we are not all born with the same opportunities. We need each other. The commandment to love one another calls us to share what we have with those in need. When we use our personal gifts to benefit others, and when we share our wealth and possessions with those in need, we live according to the gospel of Jesus.

• What basic human rights do all people have?
• Why did God create people with different gifts and abilities?
• Why do we need each other?

The Gospel in Life
How can you share one of your gifts with someone this week?

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 13
Grade 4, chapter 22
Grade 5, chapter 23
Grade 6, chapter 22

Connecting to Faith First® Original Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 13
Grade 4, chapter 22
Grade 5, chapter 23
Grade 6, chapter 22