Sunday Connection

Gospel Reading
Matthew 11:2-11
Jesus tells John the Baptist of the signs of the kingdom that are being worked through him and praises John as more than a prophet.

Making the Connection (Grades 1, 2, and 3)

Teach younger children that as Christians, we rejoice because Jesus has saved us from sin and offers us eternal life in heaven with God.

Materials Needed

• Advent wreath with battery-powered candles (optional)

Preparation for Sunday Scripture Readings

1. If you have an Advent wreath, light two violet candles and one rose candle. Say: Today is the Third Sunday of Advent. This Sunday is called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means “rejoice.” Ask: Does anyone know what rejoice means? (to be joyous, happy, delighted) When are some times when we might rejoice? (Accept reasonable responses, such as when we hear good news.)

2. Say: In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist asks Jesus a question. Jesus’ response tells us why we, as his followers, can rejoice.

3. Read aloud today’s Gospel, Matthew 11:2–11.

4. Ask: What question do John the Baptist’s messengers ask Jesus? (Are you the one who is to come [the Messiah]?) Say: Jesus answers the question by naming some of the wonderful things he has been doing, which are signs of God’s salvation. We rejoice in knowing that Jesus is the Messiah. He saves us from our sins and gives us eternal life in heaven with him. We can share our joy with others by being helpful and kind to others, just as Jesus was.

5. Pray: God, we rejoice and thank you for salvation through your Son, Jesus Christ. We pray that all people will know the joy of salvation through Jesus. We pray that you will watch over all who are suffering.

Gospel Reading
Matthew 11:2-11
Jesus tells John the Baptist of the signs of the kingdom that are being worked through him and praises John as more than a prophet.

Making the Connection (Grades 4, 5, and 6)

When John the Baptist sends his messengers to ask Jesus if he was the Messiah, Jesus responds by naming some of the signs of the kingdom that have been observed in Jesus' ministry. Today is our Advent Sunday for rejoicing. We rejoice when we can find signs of God's work in our world.

Materials Needed

• Various newspapers or news magazines

Preparation for Sunday Scripture Readings

1. Say to the group: Today is the Third Sunday of Advent. This Sunday is traditionally called “Gaudete Sunday.” Gaudete is the Latin word that means “Rejoice!” We call today “Gaudete Sunday” because one of the prayers for today's Mass, taken from Paul's Letter to Philippians, is this: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near.”

2. Say: Let us listen to today's Gospel and hear if we can identify what is the cause for our rejoicing. Invite two volunteers to read today's Gospel. The first should read Matthew 11:2-6; the second should read Matthew 11:7-11.

3. Ask the group: What do you think might be a reason for our rejoicing today? (We rejoice because, in the activities that Jesus reports to John's messengers, we find God at work in the world.) Say: If we look carefully enough, we can still find signs that God is at work in our world today.

4. Divide into small groups of two or three children and distribute among the groups the newspapers or news magazines that you brought for this session. Ask each group to look through these papers and magazines to find signs that God is at work in our world, signs such as those that Jesus indicated to John the Baptist. Invite the groups to share one or two stories that they have found.

5. Pray together in thanksgiving that God is at work in our world by praying today's Psalm.

Gospel Reading
Matthew 11:2-11
Jesus tells John the Baptist of the signs of the kingdom that are being worked through him and praises John as more than a prophet.

Making the Connection (Grades 7 and 8)

Young people at this age want to be happy. This Sunday's Gospel Reading teaches us the real reason for being joyful—salvation in Jesus is near to us.

Materials Needed

• None

Preparation for Sunday Scripture Readings

1. As a group, brainstorm a list of examples of suffering. (Examples: the sick, unemployed, refugees, victims of violence)

2. Point out that because of suffering, many people have little or no joy in their lives.

3. Tell the young people that, as followers of Jesus, we are called to bring the joyful message of salvation to those who are most in need of it.

4. Say: In this Sunday's Gospel Reading, Jesus teaches us that we have reason to rejoice.

5. Invite a volunteer to read aloud Matthew 11:2-11.

6. Say: This Sunday is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin word meaning “rejoice.” We call today Gaudete Sunday because one of the prayers for today's Mass, taken from Paul's letter to the Philippians, is “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near.” From this Sunday's Gospel, what do you think might be a reason for our rejoicing? (Possible answers: We rejoice because, in the activities that Jesus reports to John's messengers, we find God at work in the world.)

7. Emphasize that proclaiming the joy of salvation in Jesus means more than simply telling people to be happy. It requires that we work to improve the conditions in their lives that prevent them from experiencing joy.

8. Pray together for the grace needed to bring the joy of salvation in Jesus to others.

Gospel Reading
Matthew 11:2-11
Jesus tells John the Baptist of the signs of the kingdom that are being worked through him and praises John as more than a prophet.

Family Connection

It is easy to look at our world and become discouraged by the apparent absence of God and signs of God's salvation. Advent, however, is a season of hope, in which we acknowledge that salvation is both mysteriously present, even in our world, and yet to be fulfilled.

Read together today's Gospel. Think about John's question to Jesus: Are you the One? Jesus does not answer directly, but points to the signs of the kingdom present in his midst.

Together as a family, look through the newspaper for signs of hope that God is at work in our world. Pray that the world will know God's salvation by praying together the Lord's Prayer.