Third Sunday after Easter

I. Background Reading

• Today's Epistle reading has the following important lesson: " Honor all men: love the brotherhood: fear God: honor the king. " 
• This verse points out the importance of obedience, one of the three evangelical counsels (poverty, chastity, and obedience). The evangelical counsels are like guideposts: they remind us of the things that we can give up for God, earthly goods, physical pleasure, and finally our own will. In a special way, religious live out the evangelical counsels to show us that all we really need is God; the rest is all "extra." 
• The evangelical counsels are not commandments. There are certainly times that we should own property, for example, to provide for ourselves and our family. Husbands and wives should cherish the love that they have for one another. There are even times that we cannot obey the law, if the law is trying to command us to do something sinful against God. Nonetheless, we know that if we keep those counsels in mind, we will not be afraid to put aside earthly things to stay close to God. 
• Due obedience, however, is a commandment. This means that we should be subject to all of those who have legitimate authority over us. 
• As children, we should obey our parents and show them respect. 
• As church members, we should obey our clergy when they interpret for us the Holy Scriptures or make decisions for the Church. 
• As citizens, we should follow the law unless the law is commanding us to do something sinful. 

II. Epistle Reading, 1 Peter 2, 11-19

• How should we show non-believers that we believe in Jesus Christ? 
• Are we bound to obey the law? 
• If you had a job, would you be bound to obey your boss? 

III. Gospel Reading, John 16, 16-22

• In this passage, Jesus points out that he is "going to the Father". To what is he referring here? 
• Jesus says, "Your sorrow shall be turned into joy." What event is Jesus predicting? 
• When shall we see Jesus? So does this passage hold true for us as well? 

IV. Catechism Lesson: 

Penny Catechism, no. 196-204

  196. What is the fourth Commandment?

 

 

The fourth Commandment is, 'Honor thy father and thy mother'.

 

  197. What are we commanded by the fourth Commandment?

 

 

By the fourth Commandment we are commanded to love, reverence, and obey our parents in all that is not sin..

 

  198. Are we commanded to obey our parents only?

 

 

We are commanded to obey, not only our parents, but also our bishops and pastors, the civil authorities, and our lawful superiors.

 

  199. Are we bound to assist our parents in their wants?

 

 

We are bound to assist our parents in their wants, both spiritual and temporal.

 

  200. Are we bound in justice to contribute to the support of our pastors?

 

 

We are bound in justice to contribute to the support of our pastors; for St. Paul says; ' The Lord ordained that they who preach the Gospel should live by the Gospel'. Cor.9:14

 

  201. What is the duty of parents towards their children?

 

 

The duty of parents towards their children is to provide for them, to instruct and correct them, and to give them a good Catholic education.

 

  202. What is the duty of masters, mistresses, and other superiors?

 

 

The duty of masters, mistresses, and other superiors is to take proper care of those under their charge, and to enable them to practice their religious duties.

 

  203. What does the fourth Commandment forbid?

 

 

The fourth Commandment forbids all contempt, stubbornness, and disobedience to our parents and lawful superiors.

 

  204. Is it sinful to belong to a Secret Society?

 

 

It is sinful to belong to any Secret Society that plots against the Church or State, or to any Society that by reason of its secrecy is condemned by the Church; for St. Paul says: 'Let every soul be subject to the higher powers; he that resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God; and they that resist purchase to themselves damnation'. Rom. 13:1,2

V. Catechism Review Questions: 

1. What is the fourth commandment? 
2. Whom does the fourth commandment require us to obey? 
3. Do those who have authority have responsibilities towards the people under them? 
4. If our parents ask us to do chores and help them around the house, should we obey them? 
5. Is it wrong to become a Freemason or a member of another Secret Society? 

VI. Classroom Activities

1. Review the Catechism Questions from last week. 
2. Discuss the Background Reading. 
3. Recite the Catechism Lesson chorally. You may need to make sure that students understand some of the terminology. 
4. Go over the Mass readings and questions that follow. 
5. Ask students to respond to the following hypothetical situations. Are the individuals bound to obey or not? 
• You were speeding and received a ticket. Must you pay the fine? 
• A teacher requires you to write an essay titled, "Why God Does Not Exist." Do you have to write the essay? 
• A teacher gives you a long set of word problems in Math. Are you required to complete the assignment? 
• Your parents ask you to wake up early and clean your room. Must you obey them? 
• A priest gives you a penance of saying four complete Rosaries. Must you say all four? 
• You catch an older person stealing from the Church, and your pastor says that you don't need to report it to the police or bishop. Should you keep silent?