Session 6: Scripture & Tradition

Download Leader’s Guide: Going Deeper

Opening Prayer:
Loving God, send your Spirit to open our hearts to Jesus.
Guide us to a deeper conversion.
Grant us a greater appreciation of the beauty and truth of our faith.
Give us the courage and confidence to joyfully share our faith with others.
May your Church be a beacon of light for all who seek your loving presence.
Be with us now as we explore the gift of Sacred Teaching—Scripture & Tradition.
Mary, faithful Mother of God, intercede for us.
We make this prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God, forever and ever. Amen.

Scripture: 
John 14:5-8; 11-14
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” …. “Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be gloried in the Son.”

The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Suggested Opening Song:
Creed by Rich Mullins

1. What is your favorite Scripture verse or passage? Why?
2. When and how did Scripture first start to speak to you?
3. What is the best homily you can remember?
4. What do you think of when you hear the term “fundamentalism” or “literalism”?

1. Why is Tradition important for interpreting Scripture in our modern world? What issues are we facing within the Church? Within society? How does the Magisterium of the Church help us in dealing with these issues?
2. What is the beauty of having the Tradition of the community interpreting Scripture throughout the centuries?
3. When listening to John Robbins, reflect on the following questions: How is our experience of Church similar to, or different from, the early Church?
4. Describe a time when the hearing/reading of Sacred Scripture and Tradition has compelled you to proclaim Jesus Christ in some way.

1. What has been your experience of Catholic schools or religious education programs (RE)?
2. Who was instrumental in passing the faith on to you and how was that person effective?
3. How has the term “lifelong” or “ongoing” faith formation changed your idea of religious education?
4. How has the Catechism of the Catholic Church informed your faith?

Conclusion:

• What did you learn about Sacred Teaching: Scripture & Tradition?
• What did you like best about the session?
• What is one thing you will share with someone at home or in your sphere of influence?
• What difference does it make in one’s faith life to believe in Sacred Teaching: Scripture & Tradition?

Suggested Closing Song:
Because He Lives (Amen) by Matt Maher

Prayer in Thanksgiving for the Gift of Sacred Teaching
through Scripture and Tradition:
Loving God, you have called each of us to be formed in your image.
Thank you for the gift of your living presence in Sacred Teaching.
May we grow closer to you by reading, praying, and knowing Sacred Scripture.
May we be blessed by following the Sacred Teachings passed onto us from Christ.
Give us the strength to live as faithful disciples.
Help us to believe and together pray the great Amen!
Mary, Blessed Mother of the Word Incarnate, intercede for us.
We make this prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit.
One God, forever and ever. Amen.

OR:

The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ,
his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the
power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge
the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.