Junior High Session
Amos 8:4-7
Luke 16:1-13

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Lord God,
Thank you for the many gifts you have given us.
Help us to share our gifts with others.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is social justice. To begin invite the youngsters to brainstorm what shared talents make up a winning baseball or softball team. Discuss:
• What various talents are essential among team members in order to build a good team?
• Do all players need to have the same abilities?
• Why is it important for each team-member to share his or her talents with the whole team?

Allow time for discussion. When all players share their different talents while playing a game, the entire team benefits. The same can be said for our place in the world. When all people share their different gifts and talents with one another, the entire world benefits.

Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament reading listen to find out why the people are accused of greed and corruption.

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

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

In today’s gospel listen to Jesus tell his followers about choosing one master.

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

• Why does Jesus tell a parable about a dishonest manager?
• What does the reading say about faithfulness?
• Why does Jesus tell his followers that they cannot serve both 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
• Why is it important to share the world’s goods with the poor?
• How can greed lead to a person’s destruction?
• How can wealth 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 and 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, 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 does it mean to “give each person their due”?
• Why did God create people with differences?
• Why do we need each other?

The Gospel in Life
What can you do to promote justice in your school or community?

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

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