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CHAPTER 9

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PRAYER

Jesus, you bring us wonderful news about yourFather's kingdom. Help us share this happynews with others.

"Guess what!"Maybe your pet dog had puppies. You got a

good grade on a test. You learned how to dive offthe diving board at the pool. Whatever goodnews you have, you can't wait to share it.

In fact, the best part of having good news issharing it. The more people who know aboutyour happiness, the better. Joy gets bigger whenwe share it.

ACTIVITY

Draw a picture I

that stands forsome good ne'\'I'!you have. Shaeyour good new'Sby showing andexplaining the·picture .

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ScRIPTURE STORY

.Jesus' Good NewsIt was the Sabbath day in Nazareth. Everyonehad gathered for worship. Jesus, the son ofJoseph the carpenter, had come back to hishometown. Today he was going to read fromthe Scriptures.

Jesus opened the Book of Isaiah. He beganto read the words that described the one Godpromised to send.

"The spirit of the Lord is upon me," Jesus read."God has sent me to bring good news to thepoor. I have come to set people free and to bringsight to the blind. I have come to announce atime of blessings from God."

The people of Nazareth knew these words byheart. But they were very surprised at what theyheard next. Jesus closed the Book of Isaiah andsaid, "Today, right here, these words of promisehave come true!"

-based on Luke If:16-22

Christians believe that Jesus is the onep.E0misedin the Book of Isaiah. He is theMessiah sent to save all people.

~'rfi1PtWJ1r~-Sn~lml~@~~"I must proclaimthe good news ofthe kingdom ofGod, because for

.this purpose Ihave been sent."

Luke 4:43

How can we .share Jesus' goodnews with others?

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l~lln~1W~.•.•.•that Jesusannounced thecoming of God'skingdom.

Catechism, #763

How is each

picture a signof the kingdomof God?

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Sharing Good NewsThe good news Jesus shared was that Godloves us and saves us from sin. In the Bible weread how God invites us to a new life in the

ki!1gdom -of_Goci\ God's kingdom is not a placeor a time. It is a way of being in relationshipwith God.

The words Jesus read from Scripture give ussome hints for recognizing God's kingdom. Thepoor hear joyful news. No one is imprisonedor enslaved by sin and sadness. Sick peopleare healed.

Jesus used words and actions to show useven more about God's kingdom. He told stories,called parables, describing the kingdom. Hehealed sick people. He set people free fromloneliness, sorrow, and sin.

Just as Jesus shared good news with us, wepass it on to others. As Jesus was sent by God,we are sent by Jesus. The work of the Churchcommunity is to share the good news in wordsand actions. We are sent to invite the wholeworld into God's kingdom.

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Jhere Will This Lead Me?::"earningto listen carefully will help you hear and·...:n.derstandthe good news of God's kingdom. Then you:Cln share that good news with others.

Hearing Good NewsAnother word for good news is gospel. We give the nameGospels to the four books of the Bible that tell about Jesus'life and teachings. We read from the Gospels and fromother parts of the Bible at every Mass. It is importantto learn how to hear this good newsfrom God.

Here are steps to follow:

• If you can, study the gospel and theother Scripture readings before Mass.The readings are usually in a specialsection of the missalette. They areprinted in order by date .

• During the readings, sit quietly andlisten carefully. Do not try to read alongwith the readers. If the gospel readingis a parable, imagine you are listeningto Jesus telling the story.

• Pay close attention to the homily, theexplanation that follows the readings. The priest ordeacon can help you understand the Scripture readings.

• After Mass, talk with family members or classmatesabout the readings and the homily. Ask questions andshare your ideas.

WE EXPLORE: 57

RECALL

What good news did Jesus come to share? What doesthe word gospel mean?

THINK AND SHAREWhy do you think we still need to share goodnews today?

IN CONTINUE THE JOURNEY

Read the Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew13:31-32). In your own words, explain what the storytells us about God's kingdom. Draw a picture to gowith the story.

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58 : WE REFLECT

WE ..LIVE OUR FAITH

_ At Home Share good news with your family.:'!~.~In words or actions, be a sign of God's kingdom. at home.

In the Parish Listen carefully to thegospel. In your own words, tell the story tosomeone else.

Praying forthe KingdomThe words of the Lord's Prayerremind us of what it is like to live inthe kingdom of God. We have what weneed to eat. We forgive one another.We turn away from sin and evil. We doJ}od's ~ill, what God wants for us. Weare saved. That's good news!

Pray the Lord's Prayer together.Think about what the words mean.How can you put them into action?

PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven,hallowed be your name;your kingdom come;your will be doneon earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread;and forgive us our trespassesas we forgive those who trespass

against us;and lead us not into

temptation,but deliver us from evil.Amen.

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CHAPTER 10

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Loving Father, your Son, Jesus, gave his life sothat we could be with you forever. Help us beas generous as Jesus.

Have you ever looked closely at a flower seec.?It is so small it fits on your fingertip. But it eel::

grow into a beautiful flower.If you plant the seed, something wonderfu~

happens. Deep in the ground the seed seems :::::die. But then one. day it sprouts! Tiny greenstems push up into the sunlight. When the pIc..:::is tall and strong, a flower forms.

The flower will not last forever. It will die. 3-..::before it dies, the flower will make new seeds.New life will begin.

I' What seems to die so the flowerWhat makes new seeds before it ,.".""

60 :WE ARE INVITED

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A Loving ChoiceSometimes, something has to die or be given upso something else can grow. It is only after theseed seems to die that the flower grows. Wesometimes give up something good for the sakeof something better.

When we give up something or do somethingdifficult out of love, it is called a !sacrifice'. It is•...._ - _----.I

not easy to make a sacrifice. It takes a lot of loveand courage. Making a sacrificemeans being unselfish. No onecan force us to do it.

Jesus chose to make thegreatest sacrifice of all. He gaveup his life so we could be savedfrom sin and everlasting death.No one forced Jesus to die on thecross. He freely gave up his lifeso we would have new life withGod forever.

God rewarded Jesus for hisloving choice. Through God'sloving power Jesus overcamedeath. He rose to new life. Wecall his rising the' resurjeciion.We celebrate Jesus' sacrificeand his resurrection atevery Mass.

r I peoP~=-havealwaysoffered sacrifices to

God in worship. In theEucharist we celebrate

Jesus' offering ofhimself .

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JB~U~lIiJc! ., ., "Jesus' love for uswas so great thathe sacrificed hislife to save us.

Catechism, #609

WE EXPLORE: 61

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-based on Luke 22:1L!-20

Jesus and his friends gathered on the night befo~ehe died. They met to celebrate the Jewish feast 0:Passover. This feast remembers how God led thepeople of Israel out of slavery in Egypt.

After the meal was over and the songs weresung, Jesus took a piece of bread. He blessedit and broke it into pieces. He gave the breadto his friends, saying, "This is my Body,which will be given for you. Do this toremember me."

Then Jesus took a cup of wine. He prayedthe blessing. He passed the cup to his friends."This is the cup of the new covenant, the newholy agreement God makes with people," hesaid. "This is my own Blood,which is pouredout for you."

ScRIPTURE STORY

The New Covenant- oJ'

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~~~1i~@S~"Unless a grainof wheat falls tothe ground anddies, it remainsjust a grain ofwheat; but if itdies, it producesmuch fruit."

John 12:24

In what way isthe Church ·Iikethe fruit thatgrows from thesingle grain?

Make a bookmark orposter to remind you ofJesus' sacrifice. Usesymbols of bread, a winecup, and a cross.

62 : WE EXPLORE

-=5"":5' Last Supper with his friends was the- ~ = :::-...icharist.When we celebrate the Mass, we_=-=::-:LteJesus' passover. Jesus "passed over"-::= ieath to new life. He offered himself to free-= ::-:::;m the slavery of sin.

-=5'1S'saving death and resurrection make up:.:.=Paschal mystery. This truth of our faith gets_~ =-.::.rnefrom pesach, the Hebrew word for?-::;sover."The Mass, the sacraments, and all

:-.z ~turgical celebrations are ways of living::'~.:=~hisgreat mystery. This chart shows the:::=-_:1ectionsbetween Passover and the Eucharist.

Passover

~::.;:people of ...

Israelthe Church-- ~2= :Teefrom ... slaverySIn

~2 =- by ...

MosesJesus

~:-.Iough...

the waters ofdeaththe sea-.;) ...

a new landnew lifepromised by God

with Godforever

:>fferin sacrifice ...

the Paschal lambJesus, theLamb of God

Share a ritual

the Sederthe Mass:neal ...

WE EXPLORE: 63

RECALL

What is a sacrifice? What sacrifice did Jesus make?•

THINK AND SHAREHow can we share in Jesus' sacrifice?

CONTINUE THE JOURNEY

Draw or write about a sign of new life that youhave seen.

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WE LIVE OUR FAITH

~ At Home Thank family members for the.•..•.~. sacrifices they make for you. Make a lovingsacrifice for the good of someone in

your family.In the Parish Look for signs of Jesus'loving sacrifice and resurrection in yourparish church.

64 : WE REFLECT

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CHAPTER 11

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Thank you, God, for the many gifts you havegiven us. Help us use them to serve otherpeople.

Jaime's baby brother Nando was only a monthold. Jaime was eight and a half, and his motheralways needed his help.

Just yesterdayJaime helped her bygetting a towel forNando's bath. Thenhe rocked Nandowhile their motherwas busy. And thenhe had to help hisolder sister sortthe laundry.

Last night hiswhole family haddinner together.Jaime's mother toldhis father, "I don'tknow what I wouldhave done todaywithout Jaime. Hewas like an extra setof hands and feetfor me."

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~ACTIVITY~ List some thingsyou do to helpyour family.

66 : WE ARE INVITED

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~I How is this persondoing Jesus' work?

WE EXPLORE: 67

that we aremembers of the

Body of Christ.We share our

gifts and serveone another.

Catechism, #794

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Doing .Jesus' WorkEvery family has times when members have tohelp each other a little more than usual. Forexample, we all pitch in when someone's notthere to do his or her usual jobs.

When we were baptized, we became membersof the Church family. We're all God's children,and Jesus is our brother. When Jesus was herewith us, he did God's work. He served manypeople. Jesus has returned to his Father inheaven, but his work goes on. We all pitch into do what is needed.

As the Church we aren't just standing in for;esus. We are Jesus to one another. One name:or the Church is the Body of Christ. This name~eminds us that we are all one, as the parts of a~ody are one. It also reminds us that we belong~oJesus. We use our hands and feet, mouths and2'""-..2'"s. Tinds and hearts to do what Jesus does.

ACTIVITY

Draw a picture of yourselfserving Jesus.

We are known asJesus' followersby the way weserve the poor.

Catechism, #2lj.lj.3

Why does theChurch have aspecial missionto care for peoplein need?

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SCRIPTURE STORY

Serving the KingJesus told his followers this story:

At the end of time, the king will call all peoplebefore him. To some people, the king will say,((Enterinto the kingdom and be joyful! When Iwas hungry, you fed me. You gave me waterwhen I was thirsty and clothes when I neededthem. When I was in prison, you visited me."

The people will be puzzled. ((Lord,"they willask, ((when did we do these things for you?"

The king will smile and say, ((Whenever youdid these things for anyone in need, you didthem for me."

-based on Matthew 25:31-L!O

. -How· can we serve Jesus today?

68 : WE EXPLORE

Every Gift Is NeededGod gave each of us special gifts, or talents.A talent is something you enjoy doing and cando well. We are called to use our talents toserve others.

Everyone's talents are different. But whenwe put our talents together and work as theBody of Christ, we can do more than any ofus can do alone.

Each of ushas needs, too.Part of learningto be the Bodyof Christ islearning toaccept help.As the Church,we serve andwe are served.

What are these

children's talents? How are they usingtheir talents to help others?

~"d1Yil1t~\~l~Hl~W'Jut1hl U~Saint Teresa of Avila

FGast Day: OctobGI' 15

Teresa used her

gifts of writing,speaking, leading,and laughing toserve the wholeChurch.

Saint Teresa toldthe sisters she livedwith that "Christhas no hands butyour hands, no feetbut your feet. "

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We Love and Serve<I:i~t~

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At the end of Mass, we go forth to do JJesus' work in the world. The priest 'or deacon blesses us and says, "Go in.peace to love and serve the Lord!"We love and serve the Lord by lovingand serving all God's people.,

Take turns praying the numberedlines. All join in the response.

XAYER1: When we share our food with

those who are hungry,All: We love and serve you, Lord!

2: When we share what we havewith those who have little,

All: We love and serve you, Lord!3: When we make friends with

lonely people,All: We love and serve you, Lord!

4:: When we forgive one anotherand make peace,

All: We love and serve you, Lord!

!H.ow'IServe 1111 How '1ft\.mServed

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RECALL

Why is the Church called the Body of Christ?

THII\JKAND SI-IARE

Why do you think God gave us all different talents?

CONTINUE THE JOURNEY

Write about how you will use your talents to helpsomeone. Then write about how someone could usehis or her talents to help you.

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WE LIVE OUR FAITH

I!lAt Home Use one of your talents to help a..," family member feel happier.

In the Parish Find a way to help your parishcommunity carry out Jesus' work. What are the

needs of people in your parish? What are your ~talents? How can you put needs and talents". together? ::=.

70 :WE REFLECT

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3. We celebrate Jesus' sacrifice andevery Mass.

4:.We are called to use ourJesus' work.

5. One name for theof Christ.

rrFill in the Blanks Complete each sentence with thecorrect term from the word bank.

1. Jesus is the , the one God promised.

2. Jesus came to share the good news of the

of God.

UNIT THREE CHECKPOINT

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Word Bank

Church kingdomMessiah resurrection talents

II Matching Match the definitions in Column A with thecorrect terms in Column B.

Column A Column B

72 : REVIEW

4:.A Hebrew shout of joy,praising God. e. Paschal mysteT)-

5. To give something up or dosomething difficult out of love.

II Share Your Faith Tell someone how the Eucharist islike the Passover celebration.

1. Another name for good news.

2. Stories Jesus told aboutGod's kingdom.

3. Jesus' saving death andresurrection ..

a. Alleluia

b. gospel

c. sacrifice

d. parables