During the Christmas season, we are excited to receive and gift presents to our loved ones and teachers. The best presents reflect the personality and taste of the giver. Givers of presents are putting a bit of themselves in the gift box. When I get an original work of art from one of my grandchildren, that is a treasure that came straight from their heart to mine. These kinds of presents remind me of the person who gave the gift to me. When I see or wear of use that gift, I feel their presence in my heart, and I am grateful for them. Receiving a present from those we love calls us to do something in return. We want to give them a gift, too. At one time or another, we have all been surprised by a gift and embarrassed that we did not have a gift to give.

In the gift of the Eucharist, Jesus is truly present in the form of bread and wine. He himself is the gift! When we receive the gift to the Eucharist, we want to be well prepared to reciprocate to Jesus.  Bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Christ. Our response to the gift of the Eucharist is gratitude, and indeed the word Eucharist means “thanksgiving.” In sacramental form, Jesus remains really present to us.

Classroom Discussion: “More Than Showing Up for Mass”: One important question remains: Are we present to Jesus at Mass? First, ask children to share a memory of receiving a gift they really liked. Who gave them the gift. Why was that gift extra special to them? What did they say when they opened the gift? What did they do? How did they show their appreciation? After all the students have told their stories, speak of how we can participate when we receive Jesus in the Eucharist. With the class, make a list of ways to demonstrate that we are present to Jesus at Mass. Examples: Go to Mass every week, pay attention to the Liturgy, have a positive attitude about Mass, really listen to the Scripture readings and homily, follow the missalette, join in the prayers and responses, sing, offer the sign of peace to family and neighbors, receive Jesus in Holy Communion, pray for all the people in the church.

A Story of Jesus’ Presence. Being at Mass with our family and friends, we are in Jesus’ presence, too. Read or retell the story of Jesus appearing to the disciples after his Resurrection on the road to Emmaus from the Gospel of Luke 24: 12-35. Scripture videos available in your Flourish subscription associated with Blest Are We Faith in Action in both Grade 5, Unit 3, and Grade 8, Unit 1. When we spend time together, talking and listening to each other, enjoying good food and good company, Jesus is there with us. He has given us the Greatest Present: His Presence.

Product Recommendation

My Mass Book

Recommended for children ages 6-9, this colorfully-illustrated and portable book helps children pray with the whole family of God at Mass and with their families in the Church of the home. It includes The Order of Mass, its prayers and responses, Catholic Prayers and Practices, including a visit to the church, symbols of the Church, the liturgical year, an examination of conscience, the Rosary, the Stations of the Cross, and other traditional Catholic prayers.

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