CHAPTER 23: SPEAK LORD, YOUR SERVANT IS LISTENING Lesson One: We listen to God

Objectives for Lesson One:  Today we will learn that, during the Liturgy of the Word, we listen to God.  Secondly, we will learn that the first reading is usually from the Old Testament. We learn how God formed his people for the coming of Jesus.  Lastly, the Responsorial Psalm follows the first reading, the second reading comes from the Epistles or Revelation, which discuss the Christian Life.

Background:  Difference between hearing and listening.  Listening is an active role, we engage ourselves and try to understand what is being said.

Liturgy of the Word First ReadingPsalmSecond ReadingGospelHomilyCreed Prayers of the Faithful

Responses During Mass:  “Thanks be to God”  “Glory to You. O Lord”  “Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ”

Readings During Mass:  The readings at Mass are the Word of God, taken from the Bible.  First Reading:  Is Usually from the Old Testament  During the Easter season it comes from the Acts of the Apostles.  Responsorial Psalm:  It may be read or sung is usually taken from the Book of Psalms  Second Reading:  Is from the Epistles, these come from the Apostles. We are to learn them and apply them to our life today.

CHAPTER 23: SPEAK LORD, YOUR SERVANT IS LISTENING Lesson Two: Gospel

Objectives for Lesson Two:  Today we will learn that the four Gospels are those according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Out of reverence, we must stand when they are read. The Gospels are a record of what Jesus said and did on earth.

Background:  Symbols for the Gospels:  Matthew – teaches about Jesus’ nature and uses his paternal genealogy. His symbol is a winged man.  Mark – informs us of Jesus’ royal dignity. His symbol is a winged lion.  Luke – ends with the sacrificial aspects of Jesus’ life. His symbol is a winged ox.  John – pierces into the mysteries of heaven. His symbol is a rising eagle.

Gospel of the Lord:  For the gospel, we stand out of reverence for the words of Jesus.  We begin the Gospel with the alleluia verse.  The Priest says: “A reading from the holy Gospel according to (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John). We then respond “Glory to you O Lord”.  The Gospels are a record of what Jesus said and did. They include stories of his teachings and parables, as well as records of his miracles.  The word gospel means, “good news”.

CHAPTER 23: SPEAK LORD, YOUR SERVANT IS LISTENING Lesson Three: Homily

Objectives for Lesson Three:  Today we will learn that, in the homily, the priest explains and expands upon the Word of God, in light of Church teaching.

Background:  Homilies must be given on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, and should be given at daily Masses, when there is a congregation. If a priest is saying a private Mass, he does not need to give a homily.

What was the Homily on Tuesday?  What was the homily the priest talked about on Tuesday?  Write a summary for the homily that was spoken on Tuesday.  Essay should include:  What did the homily talk about.  How can you apply what was said to your life now.

CHAPTER 23: SPEAK LORD, YOUR SERVANT IS LISTENING Lesson Four: Prayers

Objectives for Lesson Four:  Today we will learn that, at Sunday Mas and on special feasts, we recite the Creed. The Creed is a summary of our Faith and a statement of what we believe as Catholics.  Also, we will learn that following the Creed are the intercessions, or prayers of the Faithful. These prayers are for the Church, public authorities, and the salvation of the world.

The Creed  At Sunday Mass and on Holy Days, the homily is followed by the Creed.  The Creed is a summary of the salvation of history.  It is said in unison. It is done because as Catholics we all believe the same things. We cannot choose some and not others that we believe as Catholics we believe all.

Prayers of the Faithful:  The Prayers of the Faithful express the prayers of the universal Church and particular Church community.  We pray for the various need of the Church, leaders of the Church, government leaders, the sick and the deceased.

The End Quiz: Friday 4/15 Test: Monday 4/18 (6B) Wednesday 4/20 (6A)