Unleashed: Eucharist 1 Table of Contents

UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS

UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST

WELCOME IMPORTANT DETAILS ABOUT THIS RESOURCE (Pg. 4)

PREPARE BACKGROUND RESOURCES (pg. 9)

ORIGINS Unless otherwise noted, Scripture passages have been taken from the THE IMPORTANCE OF HISTORY Revised Standard Version, Catholic edition. Copyright ©1946, 1952, 1971 by (Pg. 16) the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved. SURVIVAL GUIDE Quotes are taken from the English translation of the Catechism of the THE PASSOVER Catholic Church for the United States of America (indicated as CCC), (Pg. 28) 2nd ed. Copyright ©1997 by United States Catholic Conference – Libreria Editrice Vaticana. TAKE AND EAT Author: Haley York THE MIRACLES OF BREAD Cover Deisgn: Ryan McQuade (Pg. 46) Interior Design: David Calavitta THE UNFINISHED MEAL Copy Edit: Lily Hannan, Joel Stepanek THE LAST SUPPER ©2016 Life Teen, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book, including (Pg. 56) interior design, cover design, and/or icons, may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means (electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without prior written permission from the publisher. The GO! information contained herein is published and produced by Life Teen, THE MISSIONARY MANDATE Inc. The resources and practices are in full accordance with the Roman (Pg. 64) Catholic Church. The Life Teen® name and associated logos are trademarks registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Use of the Life Teen® trademarks without prior permission is forbidden. Permission may be requested by contacting Life Teen, Inc. at 480-820-7001.

2 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 3 Welcome to Unleashed hours, or even at a high school (if your school will Welcome to Life Teen’s newest resource for high school permit the group to meet and adults from the parish to teenagers, Unleashed. This missionary discipleship small be present). Gather teenagers at parks or other public group resource is designed to help teenagers grow as spaces, or even meet at your parish office. We do not disciples and missionaries. Each guide will focus on a recommend meeting at the homes of Core Members or different apologetic topic in a unique way. host families as it presents challenges for maintaining a safe environment and may violate child safety guidelines Unlike our Life Night resources and Summit guide, every in many dioceses. Unleashed will look slightly different. Some will be book studies, while others will be apologetic training. A few Forming Teen Disciples will be rooted deeply in prayer and contemplation. Every The goal of Unleashed, as is the goal of every Life Unleashed is designed for small groups of six to eight Teen resource, is to help form teenagers as disciples teenagers that are ready to dive deep into their faith. of Christ. This is done primarily through intentional, Christ-centered relationships. Unleashed provides a Setting Up Unleashed Small Groups context for evangelization and catechesis while growing The discussions and activities found in Unleashed are in relationship with a teenager’s peers and adult mentors. written for small groups. Each small group should have two adult facilitators to lead assigned groups and not It is important that Core Members invest in the lives of change throughout the course of the year or, ideally, the young people outside of Unleashed Groups by attending life of the Unleashed Group. sporting events, musicals, extra-curricular activities, and by meeting parents and praying for teenagers whenever Place six to eight teenagers in each small group. Since possible. Not only does this promote healthy relationships Unleashed small groups are more advanced, it is highly and a safe environment, but allows Core Members to form recommended that teenagers either request to be friendships with each other. involved or are invited to be involved. Utilizing Unleashed for teenagers that are not yet evangelized will render the How Unleashed: Eucharist Works resource ineffective. Every Unleashed guide is different. This section will help you understand the unique methodology and content contained Unleashed works best in conjunction with a weekly large in the guide you are holding. group gathering like Life Teen’s Life Nights as well as Life Teen’s Summit lectionary-based discipleship group. The Unleashed: Eucharist explores the biblical origins of the large group gathering allows teenagers a safe place to Sacrament of the Eucharist so that we can recognize and meet other teens and adults prior to getting involved with appreciate the magnitude of God’s plan for us and the an Unleashed Group. presence of Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament.

Meeting in Unleashed Groups Unleashed: Eucharist utilizes five sections for each session: Unleashed Groups allow flexibility to meet in a variety of Welcoming Activity, Teaching Discussion, Journal Reflection, places that may be more comfortable for teenagers, in Prayer Response, and On Your Own. addition to your parish youth room. Unleashed Groups can meet at coffee shops, at restaurants during lunch

4 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 5 Welcoming Activity: The session begins with an activity Planning Notes: ______that introduces the topic in a creative way. ______

______Teaching Discussion: The Welcoming Activity is followed by a teaching and small group discussion on the topic. ______Bullet points and discussion questions are found in the ______outline. Be sure to read over and understand the teaching ______before leading the discussion. ______

______Journal Reflection:The Journal Reflection offers the teens time to process what they heard in the discussion ______in a personal way. These reflections are found on the ______September 2016 Life Teen USB and online at LifeTeen. ______com under Life Support: September 2016. The best way ______to conduct the journal reflection is to take teens to a ______quiet place and give them a few minutes to pray through the questions. ______Prayer Response: The session concludes with a prayer ______activity related to the topic. ______On Your Own: This is a simple assignment for the teens to complete to prepare for the next session. ______Supporting Materials ______This book begins with an excerpt from Life Teen’s book, ______Truth Be Told. Use this excerpt to prepare for the series as a group leader, and consider passing them out to ______teenagers and parents. Truth Be Told also provides a great ______foundation for further discussion and can be purchased ______from LifeTeen.com in our store. Consider using it for a ______continuing small group study. ______Know that we are praying for you and your efforts as a Life ______Teen staff. Please don’t hesitate to call us to share glory ______stories, ideas, or simply to pray. May God bless your group ______as you lead teenagers closer to Christ! ______

6 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 7 PREPARE

8 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 9 in reparation for our sins. The blood was holy because it was seen as the source of life. No animal sacrifice could cover the greatness of our sin, however; our debt was WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO SAY THAT too large and our sin too great, until God took flesh (the JESUS IS THE LAMB OF GOD? Incarnation) and did what we could never do by ourselves: Taken from Truth Be Told He came to save us. Jesus is the one who not only paid our By Mark Hart and Joe Cady debt of sin but who conquered sin and death once and for all (Romans 6:23, 1 Corinthians 15:21).

IN BRIEF: IN DEPTH: “Lamb of God” is one of the most common titles associated To better understand Scripture and our salvation history, it with Christ. We hear it in hymns and other songs and see is helpful to view the stories of the Bible – both within the it in murals and paintings, on icons and stained glass. It is Old and New Testaments – through the lens of a covenant. the first title uttered by St. John the Baptist as our Lord approached the Jordan River (John 1:29). In that famous A covenant is a sacred, familial bond between God and utterance, the Baptist gives us a little insight into not only man and/or between people. It is far more than a contract. the meaning, but also Christ’s purpose: A covenant is more than doing mutually beneficial favors or an exchange of goods and services; a covenant is an “The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, exchange of self. When God enters into a covenant with “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the Adam and Eve, He is offering all of Himself to them and world!” - John 1:29 inviting Adam and Eve to offer themselves back to Him in return. After our first parents broke their end of the Upon hearing that verse many people may be confused, covenant through sin, there was a debt to be paid. God however, as to how a lamb can take away sins (which we’ll held up His end of the covenant, but we broke ours. Shortly deal with in the “In Depth” section). Christ’s title as the thereafter, Cain’s displeasing sacrifice to God (Genesis 4) “Lamb of God” points us not only to His mission but also and murder of his brother Abel, things went from bad to to His identity. worse. As time went on, God formed new covenants with Noah, with Abraham, with Moses, and with David - all of Sacrifice is one of our most basic human actions and which were broken, as well. needs. In sacrificing something to God, we reaffirm who He is and who we are not; we demonstrate that God is The problem is that God’s holiness demands justice. Since greater than we are and that all good gifts come from God is perfect Justice and perfect Love, He cannot just Him. Since everything we have is ultimately a gift from dismiss the covenant promise and consequence; if He God (except sin – that’s all ours), we honor God and remind did, He wouldn’t fulfill His word and that violates the very ourselves who God really is by offering our gifts back to nature of God. On the other hand, He loved us too much Him through a sacrifice. to let us just die. God could not just dismiss the sin, but God also did not want to just dismiss us. We were left with Once our relationship with God was darkened by sin, a problem that only God could solve…and in Christ Jesus, the need for sacrifice grew stronger. As our sins grew, He did what we couldn’t do. Jesus was the answer to our God even called for a bloody sacrifice, killing an animal sinful past and our hopeless future.

10 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 11 During the tenth plague in Exodus, God prescribed a way The priest would then lay hands on the second goat and for His people to be protected from death. He ordered confer the sins of the people on it. This goat (known as every household to select a lamb, to slaughter it, eat the scapegoat) would be allowed to live but would bear its flesh, and cover the wooden doorpost of their home the sins of the people. He would be taken far into the with the lamb’s blood. You can read about this, in detail, wilderness and set free and God would “remember their in Exodus chapter twelve. The night the angel of death sins no more” (Isaiah 1:18). passed over the land of Egypt (yes, that’s where we get the term “Passover”) and in any home without the blood Fast forward hundreds of years and you find Jesus of the lamb upon its door, the firstborn male child died, gathering His apostles for the Last Supper on the Feast including animals (Exodus 12:29). of Passover, which commemorated the aforementioned events of Exodus twelve. At that meal, Christ spoke of a Not long after the Passover, the iniquities and sins of new covenant: God’s children grew stronger, escalating with the worship of a golden calf (Exodus 32). It was at that time that God “Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, commanded animal sacrifices in atonement for their sins. and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; It’s important to note here that animal sacrifice was quite this is my body.” And He took a cup, and when He had given commonplace in the ancient world, so God was using a thanks He gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you; for well-known practice but reorienting it to Him (rather than this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for to false Gods). In fact, the animals God commanded the many for the forgiveness of sins.” - Matthew 26:26-28 Hebrews to sacrifice were actually Gods to other people, further making God’s point regarding His status as the one, Here we see Christ – as the Lamb of God – offering us His true God. In commanding His people to spill these animals’ flesh to eat in the Upper Room on Holy Thursday night, blood and then eat them, God made the gravest sin for when the apostles entered into communion with Him the Egyptians (in this case) the path to forgiveness for His in an extraordinary new way. Each time we go to Mass, children (the Israelites). God had taken the Israelites out we are participating in Christ’s once-and-for-all sacrifice of Egypt, but in calling for this bloody sacrifice God was 2000 years ago. The blood He shed on the cross (like the trying to “take Egypt out of the Israelites.” lamb’s blood on the doorpost) saves us from death, and the Flesh and Blood we consume renews our covenant In Leviticus chapter sixteen, God told Moses and Aaron to (but a new, eternal covenant) with Him. At the original select two goats for a sacrificial offering to atone for (atone Passover, the Israelites were set free from the chains of means to reconcile or “make amends for”) the sins of the slavery. Through the sacraments, still today, we are set people. The first goat was to be killed and his blood was to free from sin and death and offered new life. be sprinkled on what was called the “Mercy Seat” on the Ark of the Covenant (which held the Ten Commandments). Obviously, the title “Lamb of God” carries with it great When God saw the blood of the offering, He would remain Biblical history and significance. This is yet another merciful to His sinful children and His forgiveness would example of how the Old Testament points to Jesus be poured out upon them as they ate the animal’s flesh. and how in Christ (and in the New Testament) the Old They were now in “communion” with the animal who had Testament takes on all-new meaning. taken their place and paid their debt.

12 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 13 UNLEASHED

14 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 15 UNLEASHED: THE IMPORTANCE OF HISTORY We just accept it as their catchphrase and don’t think twice about it. One day, we go to their house for the first time and notice our friend’s mom says the same thing. Now that we know the origin of where our friend gets the phrase, we ORIGINS understand why he or she says it.

It is the same for the Eucharist. Many Catholics and non- Catholics know that the Eucharist is important to the Catholic CATECHISM: SCRIPTURE: faith. However, they may not know that Catholics believe CCC 145-146 Genesis 22:1-14 the Eucharist is the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus CCC 608 John 18-19 Christ. Furthermore, they may not know why we believe this. CCC 2572 Knowing the “why” behind the Eucharist can transform our lives. Mass and Adoration can take on new meaning. Instead of just going through the motions, we are given the ability to ENGAGE enter into the depths of our faith and our relationship with Welcome and Activity / All About Me Autobiographies Jesus Christ. Begin the group by welcoming the teens and handing each of them a piece of paper and a pen. Instruct them to take Discuss: five minutes to write a short autobiography explaining • What is something in your life that you understood where they were born, where they go to school, their better after you were aware of its origin? favorite hobbies, foods, colors, TV shows, sports teams, • Did you appreciate it more or less after you knew its and adjectives to describe themselves. When they are origin? Why do you think that is? done, have the teens each read theirs aloud one at a time. • Is there anything that you do as a Catholic (go to Now ask the teens, “Why are you the way you are?” For Mass, adore the Eucharist, pray the rosary, etc.) that example, if you wrote down that you enjoy Mexican food, you do not fully understand? What is it? why is that? Were you raised in a family that ate a lot of • Are you willing to work at understanding it? Why? Mexican food? Do you have friends that introduced you to Why not? it? Have the teens discuss with each other their different • Do you think you will appreciate or participate in it qualities and where they believe those qualities came from. better after understanding its origin?

Discussion God is the Author of Life. Like any good author, He sets The group leader reads his or her autobiography and shares up His most important events (introduction, rising action, a meaningful insight on his or her origin and why they are the foreshadowing, conflict, climax, etc.) Let’s begin discovering way they are. the origins of the Eucharist by looking at the story of Abraham and Isaac and how it prepares us for the sacrifice We do not know “the why” about something until we know of Jesus on the Cross. (Acts 3:15) it’s history and origin. For example, we may have a friend that says a weird phrase that we’ve haven’t heard before.

16 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 17 God visited Abraham and promised to bless him with a son • What was around the ram’s horns? (Thickets/ thorns, and make his descendants as numerous as the stars in the Genesis 22:13) sky. All Abraham had to do was obey God. (Genesis 15:4-5) Now, let’s look at the life and death of Jesus. At first, Abraham was quick to trust and faithful to God. He promptly followed God’s command for him and his wife, Go back to the whiteboard and ask the teens the following Sarah, to leave their home and go to the unknown territory questions about Jesus. As you are asking them, write down of Canaan. However, over the years, Abraham’s obedience the answers in the “Jesus” column, paralleling them to the was tested. Famine struck and instead of waiting on God’s answers in the “Isaac” column. provision, they packed their bags and returned home. He lacked faith to remain. Abraham and Sarah also struggled • How many siblings did Jesus have? (None, only Son, with years of infertility and doubted God would come John 3:16) through for them. In the end, God kept His promise and Abraham and Sarah bore God’s promised son at 99 years • What mountain did Jesus climb during His passion? old, and Abraham became the father of many nations. (Calvary, on same mountain range as Mount Moriah, (Genesis 12:1-5,16:1-4, Genesis 17:5, CCC 145-146) John 19:17) • What does Jesus carry up the mountain during His God brought yet another test to Abraham. God commanded passion? (Wooden cross, John 19:17) Abraham to sacrifice his one and only beloved son for the • Was Jesus willing to be killed? (Yes, willing victim, John atonement of sin. At this time, it was customary to offer 18:4-11) animal sacrifice for atonement of sin and restoration of God’s blessing. (Genesis 22:1-14) • What was around Jesus’ head when He was crucified? (Thorns, Matthew 27:29) Use the whiteboard to make a comparison chart with “Isaac” written on top of the first column and “Jesus” written on top God used Abraham to reveal His plan for His only, beloved, of the second. Ask a teen(s) to read through Genesis 22:1- Son. The image of Abraham being willing to sacrifice 14. After this, go back and ask them the following questions Isaac helps us understand the magnitude of God’s love about the passage. As you are asking them, write down the for us. God was not only willing to sacrifice His Son but, answers in the “Isaac” column. actually sacrificed His Son so that we might be redeemed. Understanding the magnitude of the cross is the first step to understanding the magnitude of the Eucharist. Jesus is • How many siblings did Isaac have? (None, only Son, the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” At Genesis 22:2) Mass, we are told to “behold” Him as the priest elevates the • What mountain did Isaac and Abraham climb? (Mount Eucharistic host. (CCC 608, 2572) Moriah, Genesis 22:2) • What does Isaac carry up the mountain? (Wood, Discuss: Genesis 22:6) • What is your reaction to the parallels between the • Was Isaac willing to be killed as a sacrifice? (Yes/ willing sacrifice of Abraham and Isaac and the sacrifice of victim, Genesis 22:7-9) Jesus on the cross?

18 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 19 • What part of the “plot line” is the sacrifice of Abraham On Your Own and Isaac? Read about the Ten Plagues in Egypt in Exodus 7:14 -12:13. • What part of the “plot line” is the sacrifice of Jesus on This is a lengthy excerpt, and we recommend reading it in the cross? parts over several days. Come to next session prepared to talk about the Ten Plagues in Egypt, what each of them • How might this impact your experience of Mass and was, and why God prompted them in the first place. the Eucharist? Planning Notes: ______REFLECT ______Journal Reflection ______Instruct the teens to take out their journals and pray through ______the following questions. Journal Reflection Handouts are ______also available on the September 2016 USB and online at ______LifeTeen.com under Life Support: September 2016. ______1. God is the Author of Life. What events have happened in your life that God has prepared you for? ______2. What might God be preparing you for? ______3. What is God saying to you in the story of Abraham and ______Isaac and it’s connection to the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross? ______RESPOND ______Prayer Response / Stations of the Cross ______The story of Abraham and Isaac is the rising action in the story of God’s love for us. This story climaxes with God ______sending and sacrificing His only Son so that we might be ______redeemed. Let’s enter into this most precious event by ______praying the Stations of the Cross. The Stations of the Cross ______Handout can be found on the September 2016 Life Teen ______USB and online at www.LifeTeen.com under Life Support: September 2016. ______

20 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 21 Unleashed Handout ______ORIGINS: JOURNAL REFLECTION ______PRAY ______

Spend a few minutes asking the Holy Spirit to stir in your 3. What is God saying to you in the story of Abraham heart and mind as you prepare to explore the following and Isaac and it’s connection to the sacrifice of Jesus reflection questions. on the Cross?

WRITE ______1. God is the Author of Life. What events have happened ______in your life that God has prepared you for? ______2. What might God be preparing you for? ______

22 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 23 STATIONS OF THE CROSS REFLECTION is powerless to stop what is happening. Yet, she knows what you must STATIONS OF THE CROSS REFLECTION do – so she is torn apart for her love for you and the love she shares with you for us.

First Station: Jesus is Condemned to Death Pray a “Hail Mary” together as a group. Scripture: Matthew 27:23-31 Fifth Station: Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross Reflection: Jesus, we abandon you in the garden. We deny you before Scripture: Mark 15:21 others. We shout for your crucifixion as you are put on trial. Yet, you die for us. You do not condemn us. You forgive us. Why do we deserve Reflection: Simon helps carry the cross that is about to save the world, this kind of love? We don’t – but your love is beyond comprehension but Jesus is bearing the full weight of our sin. Lord, sometimes you and is offered so freely. The moment that Pilate condemns you to allow us to share in your cross when we suffer. It is hard. What did you death, you begin the final steps on the journey to save us. say to Simon? Did you encourage him? We never carry our crosses alone; we never suffer alone. You are carrying the weight, even when Pray together three times, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy it seems so heavy to us. Thank you, Lord, for carrying our cross. on me, a sinner.” Invite the teenagers to pray a silent prayer of thanksgiving for the love Second Station: Jesus is Given His Cross and mercy of Jesus. Scripture: John 19:13-17 Sixth Station: Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus Reflection: You told us to take up our cross when you walked among Scripture: Matthew 25:40 us, preaching. Now, you take up the physical cross and lead the way. You show us what it means to bear our burdens patiently and to Reflection: Nearly blinded by the blood running down your face, a endure in times of trial. You carry the weight of the cross, but what is woman offers you a cloth. She wipes your face and you look into her heavier is the weight of our sins. With every step, you draw us closer eyes. How often do we miss you in those that are suffering and broken? to redemption. How many opportunities have we had to look at your face, but instead we look the other way. Lord, help us to serve the broken, the lost, and Pray the “Our Father” as a group. the least. Help us to recognize you in the places and people where you are least expected. Third Station: Jesus Falls the First Time Scripture: Isaiah 53:4-7 Invite a teen to pray out loud for all of those that are homeless, hungry, imprisoned, and dying. As he or she leads the prayer, ask the rest of Reflection: You are broken and beaten down. Hurting and bruised. the group to think of one person they know that may fit into these Physically exhausted, you fall. The crowds watch and no one comes to categories and pray for him or her by name. your aid. Soldiers simply pull you to your feet and demand you keep walking. You think of us. You were always thinking of us. Seventh Station: Jesus Falls a Second Time Scripture: Isaiah 63:9 Invite teenagers to offer up prayers of petition for people that they know are struggling in life. Respond to each petition with, “Lord, hear Reflection: Again, your humanity grows physically weak and you fall. our prayer.” Crowds press in around you, some mocking you, others wanting to simply see what is happening. A few cry for you. What is it that made Fourth Station: Jesus Meets His Mother you get up a second time? Even though the weight of our sin was Scripture: John 19:25-27 strong, your desire to save us was stronger.

Reflection:The same woman that held you as a child and protected you Invite the teenagers to silently make an examination of conscience. through your first steps, heard your first laugh, and taught you your first What sin do they have in their life that Jesus wants to heal and forgive? prayer, watches as you walk bloody and broken toward Calvary. Mary Invite them to carry that sin with them to the cross. knew this day would come, but she must have hoped it wouldn’t be like this. She knew her heart would break alongside yours, but now she

24 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 25 Eighth Station: Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem Twelfth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross Scripture: Luke 23:27-31 Scripture: John 19:28-37

Reflection: The sound of crying echoes over the crowd. The women of Reflection: With one final breath, the work of salvation is finished on Jerusalem weep over Jesus, but Jesus challenges them to look further the cross. Hell trembles – rather than giving up or giving in, you take ahead. There is more than this moment of suffering. Jesus, at that our punishment and die for us. The gates of heaven are opened so time, knew all that was going to happen in His death and resurrection that we can live with you forever. Lord, this moment that seems so – and we know that there is hope and resurrection for us, as well. Our much like defeat leads to ultimate victory. Thank you. life is not single moments, but a journey with Christ. Sometimes, we get caught up in a situation and think it is the “end of the world,” but Invite the teenagers to kneel and pray in a moment of silence. Jesus still has more to do in our lives. Thirteenth Station: Jesus is Taken Down From the Cross Pray a “Glory Be” together as a group. Scripture: John 19:38-40

Ninth Station: Jesus Falls a Third Time Reflection: The crowds have gone home. The sun is setting. Only Scripture: Luke 22:28-32 a few people remain near the cross. A man named Joseph takes Jesus down, Mary holds her son a final time. The scene is like Reflection: Jesus, you fall a third time. Almost completely broken Christmas morning, but a new sense of waiting and longing exists, now, you continue on. Help us to continue on when our walk of here. The world waits for resurrection. faith gets difficult. Peter denied you out of fear of persecution and death. Remove those fears from our hearts so that we can journey Invite the teenagers to get into pairs and pray with each other. They with you, even when it seems like we cannot go any further. should share one area where they are hoping for “resurrection” and new life in their lives. Each teen prays for the other. Close by Pray and “Our Father” together as a group. offering up all the prayers together with an “Our Father.”

Tenth Station: Jesus is Stripped of His Garments Fourteenth Station: Jesus is Laid in the Tomb Scripture: John 19:23-24 Scripture: Mark 15:46-47

Reflection: They take away the last of what you have, leaving to Reflection: We wait. The silence that ends Good Friday remains totally exposed. It is a final act of humiliation. As we look at you, until Easter Sunday. We wait for resurrection. All things happen, we see all the wounds our sins have inflicted upon your body. Lord, in a time you perfectly ordained. For three days you remain Lord, have mercy on us. in the tomb. There are moments in our lives when we wait, too. Moments when we are hoping for new life to come from a moment Invite the teenagers to pray an Act of Contrition together. This can be of death. done using a traditional Act of Contrition or using the Confiteor from Mass. Here, now, we approach the tomb and ask that you would help us rise from our sin. That we would be buried with you so that we Eleventh Station: Jesus is Nailed to the Cross can rise with you to new life. You have won it for us, and now it is Scripture: Luke 23:33-43 offered freely. Give us the grace to receive it.

Reflection: Nails are driven through your wrists and feet. The work is almost complete, but the pain elevates to an incomprehensible level. It is almost finished, but you remain on the cross. You pray for those that are nailing you to it. You pray for us. Even now, you extend mercy.

Invite the teenagers to come forward and venerate the cross while they offer a prayer to Jesus.

26 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 27 UNLEASHED: THE PASSOVER wanted and cried out for freedom. God came to their rescue and delivered them through His servant Moses and the ten plagues. (Exodus 6:6)

SURVIVAL GUIDE When God told Moses about His tenth and final plague to send the spirit of death to take the lives of the firstborn sons of all the families, He gave the Israelites a way to escape it. He gave them a survival guide, the Passover CATECHISM: SCRIPTURE: meal. (Exodus 12:12-13) CCC 613 Exodus 7:14 -12:22 CCC 1225 Exodus 12:19-32 Use the whiteboard and make a comparison chart with John 19:17-19 “Lamb” written on top of the first column and “Jesus” John 19:33 written on top of the second. Ask a teen(s) to read through Exodus 12:1-28. After this, go back and ask the teens these questions about the passage. As you are asking them, write down the answers in the “Lamb” column. ENGAGE

Welcome and Activity / NASA Survival Exercise • How old must the lamb be? (1 year old, Young, Exodus Hand each teen the NASA Survival Exercise found on the 12:5) September 2016 Life Teen USB and online at www.LifeTeen. • Can the lamb have any blemish? (No blemish, Exodus com under Life Support: September 2016, and a pen to 12:5) each teen. Have the teens read the scenario and then rank • What gender must the lamb be? (Male, Exodus 12:5) the items needed from most to least important. Give the teens a few minutes to complete the exercise. Then, read • How must the lamb be cooked? (Roasted, Exodus 12:8, off the answer key and discuss what we ranked correctly, note: when the lamb was roasted, one wooden stick incorrectly, and why. would be pierced through the lamb’s shoulders and another one pierced through the lamb’s back parallel to Discussion its spine, making a cross shape) Last week you were challenged to read about the Ten Plagues • Can the lamb have any broken bones? (No broken in Egypt. Let’s discuss it. bones, Exodus 12:5) • How many lambs are needed per house? (One lamb, Discuss: Exodus 12:3) • What role did the Israelites play in Egypt? • What tool needs to be used to spray the lamb’s blood on • What were the ten plagues and why did God inflict the doorpost? (Hyssop, a herb plant with small, sturdy them? twigs, Exodus 12:22) • What was so intense about the tenth plague? If the Israelites followed these instructions, the spirit of God’s chosen people, the Israelites, were oppressed by death would pass over their homes and their first-born Pharaoh’s regime and living as slaves in Egypt. They sons would be spared.

28 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 29 The Israelites were obedient, and their first-born sons During the last session, we talked about God foreshadowing were spared. However, the sons of those who did not the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross through Abraham and follow these instructions were lost, including Pharaoh’s Isaac. God continues His epic foreshadowing in the giving eldest son. After this final, tragic plague, Pharaoh relented of the Passover meal. God saved His people from the let God’s people go. (Exodus 12:19-32) oppression of slavery and God saves us from the oppression of sin through Jesus, the Paschal Lamb. (CCC 613,1225) Like the Israelites, we suffer from oppression too. Our oppression does not come from the reign of Pharaoh but As a devout Jew Jesus would’ve celebrated Passover the reign of sin. God has a survival guide for us as well. every single year. It is on Passover that Jesus gave us the (CCC 604, 608, 610-1611) Eucharist. Next session, we will look at this more deeply, but this week we will look at our connection to sin and Go back to the whiteboard and ask teens these questions the ways we are enslaved so that we can truly allow God about Jesus. As you are asking them, write down the to save us. answers in the “Jesus” column, paralleling them to the answers in the “Lamb” column. REFLECT • How old was Jesus? (Around 33, young) • Did Jesus sin? (No, without blemish, 1 Peter 2:22) Journal Reflection Instruct the teens to take out their journals and pray through • What gender was Jesus? (Male, Luke 1:31) the following questions. • On what did Jesus die? (A wooden cross, John 19:17-19) • Did Jesus have any broken bones during His crucifixion? 1. What in your life has oppressed you? How has God (No broken bones, John 19:33) freed you? • How many Jesus’ are there? (One per church, there is 2. If you are still in the midst of oppression, how can you only one church) turn to God? 3. Has God ever told you to do something very specific? Discuss: What was it? Did you follow His direction? Was it easy • What is your reaction to the connection between Jesus or difficult? How could you have better listened or and the Passover Lamb? trusted in His directions? • How was the Passover Lamb a survival guide for the Israelites? • How is Jesus our way to survive? RESPOND • What are examples of survival guides that you’ve used Prayer Response / The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary throughout your life to help in difficult situations? Take the teens to the chapel. Pass out the Scriptural Rosary: • What should be on a survival guide for a Catholic teen The Sorrowful Mysteries Handout, found on the September trying to keep the faith (pray the rosary, read Scripture 2016 Life Teen September USB and online at www.LifeTeen. daily.) com under Life Support: September 2016, as well as rosaries.

30 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 31 Start the rosary by reading the first meditation aloud and ______have the teens recite the prayers that follow. Throughout ______the rosary, read the scripture and instruct the teens to ______recite the prayers that follow. ______On Your Own ______Buy or make your favorite type of bread-based food ______(croissants, pizza, donuts, gluten- free cookies, etc.) and ______bring it to the next session to share and eat. ______Planning Notes: ______

32 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 33 Unleashed Handout ______SURVIVAL GUIDE: JOURNAL REFLECTION ______PRAY ______Spend a few minutes asking the Holy Spirit to stir in your heart and mind as you prepare to explore the following 3. Has God ever told you to do something very specific? reflection questions. What was it? Did you follow His direction? Was it easy or difficult? How could you have better listened or WRITE trusted in His directions? ______1. What in your life has oppressed you? How has God ______freed you? ______2. If you are still in the midst of oppression, how can ______you turn to God? ______

34 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 35 NASA: SURVIVAL ON THE MOON NASA: SURVIVAL ON THE MOON

SCENARIO ANSWERS

You are a member of a space crew originally scheduled to Items Ranking NASA’s Reasoning rendezvous with a mother ship on the lighted surface of the moon. However, due to mechanical difficulties, your Box of matches 15 Virtually worthless -- there’s no oxygen on the moon to sustain combustion ship was forced to land at a spot some 200 miles from the rendezvous point. During reentry and landing, much Food concentrate 4 Efficient means of supplying energy of the equipment aboard was damaged and, since survival requirements depends on reaching the mother ship, the most critical items 50 feet of nylon rope 6 Useful in scaling cliffs and tying injured available must be chosen for the 200-mile trip. Below are together listed the 15 items left intact and undamaged after landing. Parachute silk 8 Protection from the sun’s rays Your task is to rank order them in terms of their importance Portable heating unit 13 Not needed unless on the dark side for your crew in allowing them to reach the rendezvous point. Place the number 1 by the most important item, the Two .45 calibre pistols 11 Possible means of self-propulsion number 2 by the second most important, and so on through number 15 for the least important. One case of dehydrated 12 Bulkier duplication of food concentrate milk YOUR RANKING NASA’S RANKING Two 100 lb. tanks of 1 Most pressing survival need (weight is oxygen not a factor since gravity is one-sixth ______Box of matches ______of the Earth’s -- each tank would weigh ______Food concentrate ______only about 17 lbs. on the moon) ______50 feet of nylon rope ______Stellar map 3 Primary means of navigation - star ______Parachute silk ______patterns appear essentially identical on ______Portable heating unit ______the moon as on Earth ______Two .45 caliber pistols ______Self-inflating life raft 9 CO2 bottle in military raft may be used ______One case of dehydrated milk ______for propulsion ______Two 100 lb. tanks of oxygen ______20 litres of water 14 Needed for replacement of tremendous ______Stellar map ______liquid loss on the light side ______Self-inflating life raft ______Signal flares 2 Use as distress signal when the mother ______Magnetic compass ______ship is sighted ______20 liters of water ______First aid kit, including 7 Needles connected to vials of vitamins, ______Signal flares ______injection needle medicines, etc. will fit special aperture ______First aid kit, including injection needle ______in NASA space suit ______Solar-powered FM receiver-transmitter ______Solar-powered FM 5 For communication with mother receiver-transmitter ship (but FM requires line-of-sight transmission and can onvly be used over short ranges)

36 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 37 After withdrawing about a stone’s throw from them and kneeling, SCRIPTURAL ROSARY: THE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES he prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done.” [Luke 22:41-42] By the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Hail Mary ... We turn to the Lord, who knows our suffering and longs to give us his comfort and peace. Yet it was our infirmities that he bore, And to strengthen him an angel from heaven appeared to him. our sufferings that he endured. [Isaiah 53:4a] [Luke 22:43] Apostles’ Creed Hail Mary ...

While we thought of him as stricken, as one smitten by God and He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat afflicted. [Isaiah 53:4b] became like drops of blood falling on the ground. [Luke 22:44] Our Father... Hail Mary ...

Because God did not make death, nor does he rejoice in the The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. [Matthew 26:41b] destruction of the living. [Wisdom 1:13] Hail Mary ... Hail Mary ... I cry aloud to God, cry to God to hear me. [Psalm 77:2] For he fashioned all things that they might have being; and the Hail Mary ... creatures of the world are wholesome, [Wisdom 1:14a] On the day of my distress I seek the Lord; by night my hands are Hail Mary ... raised unceasingly; I refuse to be consoled. [Psalm 77:3]

And there is not a destructive drug among them nor any domain Hail Mary ... of the nether world on earth, [Wisdom 1:14b] My eyes cannot close in sleep; I am troubled and cannot speak. Hail Mary ... [Psalm 77:5]

For justice is undying. [Wisdom 1:15] Hail Mary ... Glory Be... In the night I meditate in my heart; I ponder and my spirit broods: [Psalm 77:7bc]

FIRST SORROWFUL MYSTERY: Hail Mary ... THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN Has God’s love ceased forever? Has the promise failed for all Then going out [Jesus] went, as was his custom, to the Mount of ages? [Psalm 77:9] Olives, and the disciples followed him. [Luke 22:39] Hail Mary ... Our Father... Has God forgotten mercy, in anger withheld compassion? [Psalm 77:10] When he arrived at the place he said to them, “Pray that you may not undergo the test.” [Luke 22:40] Glory Be ... Hail Mary ...

38 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 39 SECOND SORROWFUL MYSTERY: With not one to console her of all her dear ones. THE SCOURGING AT THE PILLAR [Lamentations 1:2b]

Pilate addressed them a third time, “What evil has this man done? Hail Mary ... I found him guilty of no capital crime.” [Luke 23:22a] Her friends have all betrayed her and become her enemies. Our Father ... [Lamentations 1:2c]

“Therefore I shall have him flogged and then release him.” [Luke Glory Be ... 23:22b]

Hail Mary ... THIRD SORROWFUL MYSTERY: THE CROWNING WITH THORNS With loud shouts, however, they persisted in calling for his crucifixion, and their voices prevailed. [Luke 23:23] Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus inside the praetorium Hail Mary ... and gathered the whole cohort around him. [Matthew 27:27] Our Father ... The verdict of Pilate was that their demand should be granted. [Luke 23:24] They stripped off his clothes and threw a scarlet military cloak Hail Mary ... about him. [Matthew 27:28] Hail Mary ... Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. [John 19:1] Hail Mary ... Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head, and a reed in his right hand. [Matthew 27:29a] So he released the man who had been imprisoned for rebellion Hail Mary ... and murder, for whom they asked, and he handed Jesus over to them to deal with as they wished. [Luke 23:25] And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of Hail Mary ... the Jews!” [Matthew 27:29b] Hail Mary ... How lonely she is now, the once crowded city! [Lamentations 1:1a] Hail Mary ... They spat upon him and took the reed and kept striking him on the head. [Matthew 27:30] Widowed is she who was mistress over nations. [Lamentations 1:1b] Hail Mary ... Hail Mary ... And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the cloak, The princess among the provinces has been made a toiling slave. dressed him in his own clothes, and led him off to crucify him. [Lamentations 1:1c] [Matthew 27:31] Hail Mary ... Hail Mary ... Bitterly she weeps at night, tears upon her cheeks. [Lamentations 1:2a] Lord, my God, I call out by day; at night I cry aloud in your presence. [Psalm 88:2] Hail Mary ... Hail Mary ...

40 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 41 You plunged me into the bottom of the pit, into the darkness of “The days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the the abyss. [Psalm 88:7] barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never Hail Mary ... nursed.’” [Luke 23: 29] Hail Mary ... All day I call on you, Lord; I stretch out my hands to you. [Psalm 88:10bc] “At that time people will say to the mountains, ‘Fall upon us!’ and Hail Mary ... to the hills, ‘Cover us!’” [Luke 23:30] Hail Mary ... Why do you reject me, Lord? Why hide your face from me? [Psalm 88:15] “For if these things are done when the wood is green what will Hail Mary ... happen when it is dry?” [Luke 23:31] Hail Mary ... All the day they surge round like a flood; from every side they close in on me. [Psalm 88:18] [Jesus said,] “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny Hail Mary ... himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” [Mark 8:34]

Because of you companions shun me; my only friend is darkness. Hail Mary ... [Psalm 88:19] This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound Glory Be ... unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke. [Isaiah 58:6]

FOURTH SORROWFUL MYSTERY: Hail Mary ... THE CARRYING OF THE CROSS Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless. [Isaiah 58:7ab] As they led [Jesus] away they took hold of a certain Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country; and after laying the Hail Mary ... cross on him, they made him carry it behind Jesus. [Luke 23:26] Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your Our Father ... back on your own. [Isaiah 58:7cd]

A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women Hail Mary ... who mourned and lamented him. [Luke 23:27] Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound Hail Mary ... shall quickly be healed. [Isaiah 58:8ab] Hail Mary ... Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer, you shall cry for weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children. help, and he will say: Here I am! [Isaiah 58:9ab] [Luke 23:28] Hail Mary ... Glory Be ...

42 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 43 FIFTH SORROWFUL MYSTERY: But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment THE CRUCIFIXION shall touch them. [Wisdom 3:1] Hail Mary ... When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their [Luke 23:33] passing away was thought an affliction. [Wisdom 3:2] Our Father ... Hail Mary ... Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they But they are in peace. [Wisdom 3:3b] do.” [Luke 23:34] Glory Be ... Hail Mary ...

“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” [Luke 23:42] CONCLUSION

Hail Mary ... “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it And about three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.” [John you forsaken me?” [Matthew 27:46] 12:24-25] Hail Mary ... Hail, Holy Queen Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” [Luke 23:46] Hail Mary ...

And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit. [John 19:30b] Hail Mary ...

Do not hide your face from me; do not repel your servant in anger. You are my help; do not cast me off; do not forsake me, God my savior! [Psalm 27:9] Hail Mary ...

But I believe I shall enjoy the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. [Psalm 27:13] Hail Mary ... Wait for the Lord, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the Lord! [Psalm 27:14] Hail Mary ...

44 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 45 UNLEASHED: THE MIRACLES OF BREAD Bread also comes into play in the book of Exodus. Moses was leading the Israelites through the desert to the Promised Land, and they became hungry. God said He would feed them “bread from Heaven.” Normally bread TAKE AND EAT does not have the proper nutrients to sustain life, but this bread did. It was called “manna.” “Manna” in Hebrew means, “what is it?” The Israelites did not know what this bread was, but they knew it was something special CATECHISM: SCRIPTURE: because it gave them life. (Exodus 16:13-17) CCC 1333-1336 1 Kings 17:8-16 CCC 1340 Exodus 16:13-17 In the Mass, during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the priest CCC 1365 Matthew 14:13-21 says, “let your Spirit fall upon them [the gifts of bread John 6:22-71 and wine] like the dewfall.” This prayer is said in reference to God providing life-sustaining manna to the Israelites at the dewfall. (Exodus 16:13-14)

ENGAGE Later in Scripture, in the Gospel of Matthew, we hear about Jesus giving bread to a crowd. Five thousand people were Welcome and Activity / Bread hungry, but they only had five loaves of bread and two Welcome all the teens to the group and hand each of them fish. The crowd went to Jesus to find help. Jesus “taking a paper plate. Have them pass out their bread-based foods the five loaves… he looked up to heaven, and blessed, for everyone to share and eat. and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.” (Matthew 14:13-21, Discussion CCC 1335) Bread is the foundation of many of our favorite foods: sandwiches, cake, pretzels, etc. It fills our hunger and Notice the four verbs - took, blessed, broke, and gave. tastes amazing. In Scripture, there are many times that These words are said at every Mass during Liturgy of the bread plays an important role. Eucharist. The priest says, “At the time he was betrayed

and entered willingly into his Passion, he took bread While there was famine in the land, the prophet Elisha and, giving thanks (blessed), broke it, and gave it to his multiplied twenty loaves of bread so that one hundred disciples.” men could eat. (2 Kings 4:42-44) Discuss: God told the prophet, Elijah, to go to Zarephath to meet a widow who would feed him bread. He came to the widow, • What food would you choose to eat if you could only but she said she did not have enough to share with him eat that food for forty days? Forty years? since she and her son must also eat. When she made the • Why does God always choose bread to feed the bread, she ended up having enough ingredients to feed hungry? Elijah, not only that day but also all the days to come. (1 • In what ways is God feeding your spiritual hunger? Kings 17:8-16)

46 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 47 Jesus makes bread even more significant. Bread goes from sustaining earthly life to sustaining eternal life in REFLECT the Bread of Life Discourse in John 6:22-71. Journal Reflection Instruct the teens to take out their journals and pray through Have a teen(s) read aloud John 6:22-71. the following questions. Note Jesus says, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live 1. Has God ever told you to do something that seemed forever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of outrageous? Did you trust Him or did you turn away? the world is My flesh.” Jesus is saying we must consume How could you have better followed His promptings? Him, the Bread of Life, in order to live eternally with Him How can you apply this to God’s promptings in the in Heaven. (John 6:51) future? 2. Have you ever prayed for something, but got something Many of His disciples were troubled with this teaching. different in return? How did you react? Were you They told Jesus it was hard for them to hear, but Jesus understanding of how God answered that prayer? did not appease them by saying it was just a symbol. Jesus emphasized His words saying, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.” Many of His disciples RESPOND chose not to accept this teaching and left Jesus. (John Prayer Response / Trust 6:22-59, John 6:53, John 6:66, CCC 1336) Go into the chapel or sanctuary at your church. If possible, expose the Blessed Sacrament. Hand out a small sheet of Our understanding of bread bringing physical nourishment paper and a pen to all the teens. While sitting in front of expands. Not only does bread sustain physical life, but also the crucifix, have the teens write down something in their spiritual life. The Bread of Life becomes a requirement for life that is hard to trust God with. When they are finished, salvation. Jesus gives us the gift of the Bread of Life at the have them set the paper at the foot of the cross or the Last Supper, and we have the opportunity to receive this monstrance, giving that burden to Him. gift at Mass. Then, invite the teens to pray the following prayer together. • How would it have felt to be one of the disciples when If desired, handout the Suscipe Prayer Card found on the Jesus was giving the Bread of Life Discourse? September 2016 LifeTeen September USB and online at • What kinds of questions would you have asked Jesus www.LifeTeen.com under Life Support: September 2016. while He was giving this teaching? Suscipe by St. Ignatius of Loyola • Would you have walked away? Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my • God always fed those who were in need. What is understanding, and my entire will, all I have and call my something you need right now and how can God provide own. You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. for you? How are you called to ask God for that help? Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace, that is enough for me.

48 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 49 On Your Own ______God tended to the needs of His people. When His people ______were hungry, He fed them. Throughout this next week, help ______someone who is in need. Do this act of service in a big way. Don’t just lend a pencil to someone who doesn’t have ______one (even though you should.) Do something bigger. Go ______through your closet and donate some of your clothes or ______buy a homeless person a sandwich. On the other hand, also ______allow someone to help you in a big way. Sometimes, our ______pride gets in the way of allowing others to help us. When you need help, ask for it. If someone offers to help, humbly ______receive it with thanks. ______Planning Notes: ______

50 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 51 Unleashed Handout 2. Have you ever prayed for something, but got something different in return? How did you react? TAKE AND EAT: JOURNAL REFLECTION Were you understanding of how God answered that prayer? ______PRAY ______Spend a few minutes asking the Holy Spirit to stir in your heart and mind as you prepare to explore the following ______reflection questions. ______WRITE ______1. Has God ever told you to do something that seemed ______outrageous? Did you trust Him or did you turn away? ______How could you have better followed His promptings? ______How can you apply this to God’s promptings in the ______future? ______

52 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 53 SUSCIPE PRAYER SUSCIPE PRAYER

By St. Ignatius of Loyola By St. Ignatius of Loyola

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, and my entire will, All I have and call my own. All I have and call my own.

You have given all to me. You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. To you, Lord, I return it.

Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace, that is Give me only your love and your grace, that is enough for me. enough for me.

SUSCIPE PRAYER SUSCIPE PRAYER

By St. Ignatius of Loyola By St. Ignatius of Loyola

You have given all to me. You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. To you, Lord, I return it.

54 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 55 UNLEASHED: THE LAST SUPPER The first cup, the Cup of Sanctification, is symbolic of salvation from harsh labor that began as soon as the ten plagues began. It is God saying, “I will take you out of Egypt.” During this portion of the Passover, the father THE UNFINISHED MEAL gathers with his family at a large table and reclines to celebrate the freedom won by God in Egypt. The father begins the meal with a formal blessing of the cup after which food is brought out (unleavened bread, bitter CATECHISM: SCRIPTURE: herbs, a bowl of sauce, and the roasted lamb known as CCC 610-611 Matthew 26:26-29 “the body.”) CCC 1362 Mark 14:22-26 CCC 1365 John 18:11 Start the meal with a prayer and instruct the teens to drink John 19:28-30 their first cup, but not to eat.

After this cup, the second cup, the Cup of Deliverance is passed out. While this cup is consumed, the father ENGAGE presiding over the meal tells the Exodus story (the story of the Israelites being freed from slavery under the Egyptian Welcome and Activity / Dinner Pharaoh.) Then, he sings Psalm 113, known as the Little This session happens over dinner. Create a quiet, solemn, Hallel or Little Halleluiah thanking God for His deliverance. dining environment. Along with the meal, have four small This cup is symbolic of the salvation from servitude or the cups for each teen filled with grape juice to represent wine. day the Jews left Egypt and arrived at Ramses. It is God Throughout the session, there will be promptings to drink saying, “I will save you.” the cups of juice. Instruct the teens to drink their second cup. Discussion Passover is a traditional meal celebrated by the Jews that Then the third cup, known as the Cup of Blessing, is passed commemorates the spirit of death passing over the homes out, and the family finally eats the lamb and unleavened with doorposts covered in lamb’s blood. As we talked bread. Once the meal is consumed, the father recites about a couple of weeks ago, God gave the Israelites another blessing over the third cup, and it is consumed. This specific instructions on how to prepare and eat the meal. cup is symbolic of the splitting of the sea, after which the As the tradition of the Passover meal developed, a tradition Jews felt redeemed and had no fear of being recaptured was added that called for four cups of wine consumed by the Egyptians. It is God saying, “I will redeem you.” throughout the meal. Each had a symbolic meaning that reminded those gathered about important moments in Instruct the teens to eat their meal and drink their third Israel’s history. cup. When done eating, continue with the teaching. The four cups represent the four statements of God to Finally, to conclude the meal, the fourth cup, the Cup of Israel “I will take you out,” “I will save you,” “I will redeem Praise, is distributed. While people sipped this cup, the you,” and “I will take you as a nation….” father presiding over the Passover meal sings Psalm 114

56 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 57 through 118, also known as the Great Hallel. This cup is which the Father has given me?” He is again talking about symbolic of the Jewish people becoming a nation a Sinai. the final cup of the Passover meal. (John 18:11) It is God saying, “I will take you as a nation.” After the wine was gone, the father says, “Tel telesti” which means, “It is Go to the Crucifix in the main church. Then, continue the finished.” teaching.

The Last Supper was a Passover meal. There are three On the cross, Jesus requests a drink and says, “I thirst.” A important occurrences that make this Passover meal bystander offers Him a vinegar soaked sponge on hyssop. different. (CCC 1340) Remember hyssop? In the Passover preparation, God instructed the Jews to spray the sacrificial lamb’s blood The first, Jesus uses language associated with the miracles on the doorpost of the house using a hyssop branch. After of the Multiplication of the Loaves and gives us His Body, drinking, Jesus says, “It is finished.” Jesus finishes the not the body of a lamb to consume. “And as they were Passover meal by drinking the fourth cup and offering His eating, [Jesus] took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and body as the sacrifice. Jesus is the sacrificial lamb. He is the gave it to them, and said, Take; this is my body.’” (Mark final sacrifice for us to be freed not only from the tenth 14:22) plague but the plague of sin. (John 19:28-30, Mark 15:23)

The second, Jesus vows not to drink of the “fruit of the Take a moment of silent prayer before the Crucifix thanking vine” until the coming of the Kingdom of God. (Mark 14:25) the Lord for His sacrifice. Then, in silence, lead the teens back to the original meeting space. The third, after the third cup, Jesus and the disciples “sing a hymn” (Hallel Psalms) and then “went out.” The From Abraham and Isaac to Moses, to Jesus, we see God’s fourth cup was not consumed, and the meal was not yet plan in action. The Jews offered animal sacrifice for the finished. Jesus instead led His disciples to the Garden of atonement of sin. Jesus is the final sacrifice, the Paschal Gethsemani to go pray. (Mark 14:26) Lamb who takes away the sins of the world once and for all. The Eucharist is the Body and Blood, the Bread of Life, Sing a well-known hymn like, “How Great Thou Art” or and we receive Him so that we might have eternal life. “Holy, Holy, Holy,” then leave the room and continue the (CCC 1362, 1365, 610-611) teaching outside leaving the fourth cup behind. Discuss: In the Garden of Gethsemani, Jesus prays and asks God • What is your reaction to the four cups? the Father to “remove this cup from me, yet not what I will, but what thou wilt.” He is talking about the final cup of the • How can you see God, the Author of Life, at work? Passover meal that was left unconsumed. (Mark 12:36) • What are the similarities between being delivered from the oppression of Pharaoh and the oppression Then the Roman guards come to arrest Jesus. Peter tries of sin? to stop them and cuts off the ear of a guard. Jesus stops • Now that you know the origin of the Eucharist, does it Peter’s resistance, heals the guard’s ear, and says to Peter, change the way you see the Mass and the Sacrament “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup of Communion?

58 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 59 On Your Own REFLECT Pick out a baby picture to bring to next session. Journal Reflection Planning Notes: ______Instruct the teens to take out their journals and pray through the following questions. ______1. God wrote a perfectly planned story. Not only did ______God write this story, but He is writing your story. With ______this in mind, can you trust Him with your story? Why? ______Why not? ______2. Reflect on how Jesus has saved you from the oppression ______of sin and thank Him. ______RESPOND ______Prayer Response / Lectio Divina ______Lead the teens through a lectio divina on the Institution ______of the Lord’s Supper in Matthew 26:26-29. Lectio divina ______consists of four parts: ______• Lectio (reading): Read through the passage the first ______time, being still and open to God’s word. Pick up on the ______literal meaning of the passage and the basic teaching. ______• Meditatio (meditation): Read through the passage a ______second time, being open to what God may be telling ______you specifically. Look for words or phrases that pop ______out to you. ______• Oratio (prayer): Respond to God in prayer. ______• Contemplatio (contemplation): Understand what God ______is asking you to do or how God is asking you to change ______through the words of the passage. ______Read the passage aloud four times, each time inviting the ______teens to participate in the next part of the lectio divina. ______

60 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 61 Unleashed Handout 2. Reflect on how Jesus has saved you from the oppression of sin and thank Him. THE UNFINISHED MEAL: JOURNAL REFLECTION ______PRAY ______Spend a few minutes asking the Holy Spirit to stir in your ______heart and mind as you prepare to explore the following ______reflection questions. ______WRITE ______1. God wrote a perfectly planned story. Not only did ______God write this story, but He is writing your story. With ______this in mind, can you trust Him with your story? Why? ______Why not? ______

62 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 63 UNLEASHED: THE MISSIONARY MANDATE • What is the significance of took, blessed, broke, and gave? Why do you think they recognized Jesus when He said those words? • Have you ever had trouble recognizing Jesus in your GO! life? • What was it like when you finally recognized Him?

CATECHISM: SCRIPTURE: Jesus continued revealing Himself to the disciples for CCC 849–852 Matthew 28:19 forty days after His resurrection before He ascended into Luke 24:13-49 Heaven. During these forty days, Jesus taught them about John 21:1-14 the Kingdom of Heaven and commanded them to share the Good News.

Near the end of the Gospel of Luke, Jesus came to His ENGAGE disciples and said, “Peace be with you.” The disciples thought He was a ghost. They could not believe He rose Welcome and Activity / Guess Who? from the dead. Jesus showed them His wounds from Have the teens take out their baby pictures and instruct His crucifixion, ate with them, and they believed. (Luke them not to show anyone. Collect their pictures, shuffle 24:36-49) them, and lay them out on the table. The teens must try to guess who is who. Be sure to bring your own baby picture Near the end of the Gospel of John, the disciples were as well. fishing but could not catch anything. Jesus appeared to them, but they did not recognize Him. Jesus told them Discussion to cast the net again, and they caught 153 fish. After this When Jesus rose from the dead three days after His miracle, they recognized Jesus. Peter was so excited that crucifixion, He met two men who were on the road to he jumped into the sea to meet Him. (John 21:1-14) Emmaus leaving Jerusalem. Jesus approached them, started walking with them and talking about the events The last time Jesus appeared to His disciples, He gave that had just taken place in Jerusalem. However, these them a mission. In Matthew 28, Jesus commands, “Go men did not recognize Jesus as the One who these events therefore and make disciples of all nations.” Not only was were about. They had a whole conversation with Jesus this command for the disciples, but also for all of us. We are about Jesus and did not realize it was Jesus they were called to share the Good News. talking to. (Luke 24:13-27) Our mission to share the Good News is motivated by love. Discuss: We have changed for the better, and we want our friends, • Was it difficult or easy to recognize our friends in the family, and all people to also receive new life from the Good baby pictures? Why? Why not? News. It is because we love others that we want what is best for them. Not only do we love them, but God also loves them and also wants what is best for them. It is from

64 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 65 God’s love for all men that we, the Church, receive both 2. How would you share the Good News of the Eucharist the obligation and vigor of our missionary dynamism. (CCC with others? Make notes on how you would teach the 849 – 851) origins of the Eucharist to a friend or family member.

Sharing the Good News happens in both words and deeds. Jesus didn’t just proclaim the Gospel, He lived the Gospel. RESPOND He forgave sins, healed the sick, ate with sinners and tax collectors, and lived a life in service to others. We can’t just Prayer Response / Washing of the Feet proclaim the Gospel, we must live the Gospel too. We must Have the teens move their chairs so they are in a horseshoe forgive those who have hurt us and ask for forgiveness shape facing inside. Place your chair in front of them and when we hurt others. We must eat with and welcome the read aloud John 13:1-17. outcast. We must serve those in need. Moments before the Institution of the Eucharist, Jesus At the Last Supper, moments before the institution of the washed the feet of His disciples. The disciple’s feet were Eucharist, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. A life at the dirty. They had been walking in sandals on dirty roads. service of others and the Eucharist are intrinsically linked. Jesus purposefully washed their feet because it was the We are called to “walk the road Christ himself walked, a lowliest act of service. way of poverty and obedience, of service and self-sacrifice even to death, a death from which he emerged victorious Jesus not only washed His disciples’ feet but commanded by his resurrection.” The Eucharist gives us the grace to them saying, “For I have given you an example, that you accomplish this. (CCC 53, 516, 852) should also do as I have done to you.” (John 13:15)

Discuss: To end this Unleashed, you are going to wash each other’s • How has Jesus revealed Himself to you? feet as a sign of your mission to serve and share the Good • How is love the motivation of mission? News with others. I invite you to use this opportunity to humble yourself and serve others. • How might you be called to share the Good News? What words? What deeds? Ask the teens to take off their shoes. Invite the teens to come • What role does the Eucharist have in your mission? up, one by one, and take a large bowl, pitcher of water, and a towel. Then, instruct them to choose the person whose feet they will wash, place one foot at a time inside the bowl, and pour the water over the person’s foot. Then, dry the REFLECT feet with the towel. Do this until all the teens have washed Journal Reflection someone’s feet. Instruct the teens to take out their journals and pray through the following questions. On Your Own You are on a mission. Your mission is to be a disciple and bring Christ to others. By learning the origins of the 1. Think over this Unleashed series. What is it that impacted Eucharist, you are now empowered to teach others about you? Why? Jesus’ life-giving sacrifice.

66 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 67 Within the next month, share this lesson with another ______person. Ask God to give you an opportunity to spread this ______message to someone who needs it. Ask the Holy Spirit to ______speak through you and guide you through it. ______Planning Notes: ______

68 UNLEASHED: EUCHARIST 69 Unleashed Handout 2. How would you share the Good News of the Eucharist with others? Make notes on how you would teach the origins GO!: JOURNAL REFLECTION of the Eucharist to a friend or family member. ______PRAY ______Spend a few minutes asking the Holy Spirit to stir in your ______heart and mind as you prepare to explore the following ______reflection questions. ______WRITE ______1. Think over this Unleashed series. What is it that ______impacted you? Why? ______

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