Junior High Session
Genesis 18:1-10a
Luke 10:38-42

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
O God,
you communicate your love for us each day.
Give us the grace to hear your Word.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is hearing God’s word. To begin invite the youngsters to reflect on the times when they are most aware of God’s loving presence in their lives. Discuss:
• How does God communicate with us?
• Why does God want to communicate with us?
• When do you hear the Word of God?
• How can you listen to the Word of God with an open heart?

Allow time for discussion. God loves us, and God communicates that love in many ways. We need only be attentive to the presence of God in our midst.

Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament reading listen to how Abraham and Sarah receive a message from God.

Read Genesis 18:1-10a.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• How does the Lord appear to Abraham?
• How do Abraham and Sarah welcome their guests?
• What message does God have for Abraham and Sarah?
• How is God’s message delivered?

In the gospel reading listen to how Martha and Mary welcome Jesus.

Read Luke 10:38-42.
Allow for silence.

• How does Mary receive Jesus?
• What is Martha busy doing?
• Why does Martha get upset with Mary?
• What does Jesus tell the two women?

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

In the Old Testament reading today Abraham and Sarah hear the Word of God. The messengers of God’s Word are three men who appear nearby Abraham’s tent. Abraham and Sarah welcome the strangers with generous hospitality. And with gratitude, the divine visitors promise the elderly couple offspring. In serving these three strangers, Abraham and Sarah unwittingly serve the Lord God.

This passage from the Book of Genesis is part of a cycle of stories that point out the obedience of Abraham in contrast to the sin of Adam. Today’s reading reveals God’s commitment to the Jewish people in the person of their patriarch, Abraham.

Today’s gospel also presents a story of hospitality where the Lord himself is being served. Martha and Mary welcome Jesus into their home with generous hospitality. Martha is attentive to the details of serving and Mary is attentive to Jesus. Jesus tells the women that Mary has chosen the better part.

The gospel reading today further explains the meaning of Jesus’ commandment to love God and neighbor by stressing the importance of being receptive to the Word of God. Martha’s anxiety is chastised and Mary’s attentive listening is honored. This story reveals that listening to Jesus is crucial to receiving him.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• How do you make people feel welcome at school and in your home?
• How is serving others like serving Jesus?
• How can you take the time to sit before Jesus and listen?

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

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Hearers of the Word
God’s loving presence is all around us. God communicates with us in many ways. The scriptures reveal that God’s word is not a lifeless word limited to the printed page or to the spoken proclamation. The living Word of God is revealed in Jesus Christ through his life, his ministry, his suffering, death, and resurrection.

• When do you listen to the Word of God?
• What helps you understand sacred Scripture?
• How does listening to the Word of God help you to grow in faith?

The Gospel in Life
God is always with us and wants to be part of our lives. This week take time to listen to God’s Word.

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Guide, theme 2
Junior High, Mystery of God, chapter 2
Junior High, Morality, chapter 8

Connecting to Faith First® Original Edition
At Home Guide, theme 2
Junior High, Creed and Prayer, chapter 2
Junior High, Liturgy and Morality, chapter 17