Primary Session
Matthew 9:9-13

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Dear God, thank you for sharing your life with us.
Help us to live as your children.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is grace. Bring to today’s session a picture that shows the beauty of nature. To begin, invite the children to look at the picture and quietly think of what the picture reveals to them. Discuss:
• What do you think of when you see beauty in nature?
• How does God show love for us?
• How do we show love for God?

Allow time for discussion. Grace is the gift of God’s life and love. God freely gives us the gift of grace.

Listening to the Word of God
In today’s gospel listen to how Jesus loves all people.

Read Matthew 9:9-13.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• How does Jesus meet Matthew?
• Who does Jesus eat with?
• How do the Pharisees react?
• What does Jesus tell the Pharisees?

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

Today’s gospel gives us a clear message about God’s love and mercy. Matthew the tax collector does nothing to earn the love that Jesus shows to him. Even before Matthew has asked for forgiveness of his sins he is loved by Jesus and called to follow him.

The Pharisees are shocked to find out that Jesus eats with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus responds, “People who are in good health do not need a doctor; sick people do.” Jesus tells the others that he has come to offer the gift of grace to all those who are in need of it.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• Why does Jesus show love for Matthew?
• Why are the Pharisees shocked by Jesus’ behavior?
• Who has Jesus come to help?

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

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Grace
Grace is the free gift of God’s life and love. This gift of God’s favor helps us to live as God’s children.

The Church believes that through Baptism we receive the gift of God’s life and love. We call this gift sanctifying grace. Through sanctifying grace we are made holy and sin is forgiven.

We believe that God is present with us helping us to live as God’s children. The Church understands this grace to be actual grace.

God has created us to share in the life of the Holy Trinity here on earth and to receive eternal life. The gift of grace helps us to share in the life of God.

• What gift do we receive at Baptism?
• What is grace?
• How does the gift of grace help us to live as God’s children?

The Gospel in Life
How can the gift of grace help you treat others with love and respect this week?

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
Grade 1, chapter 26
Grade 2, chapter 23
Grade 3, chapter 22

Connecting to Faith First® Original Edition
Grade 1, chapter 26
Grade 2, chapter 23
Grade 3, chapter 22