February 21st CLW Lesson

A reading from the book of Mark 1:12-15:  Jesus went out to wildnerness to be by himself for 40 days and pray.  Satan (the Devil) tried to get Jesus to choose him, but Jesus chose God and God's angels looked after Jesus during this time.  

After John the Baptist was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee and told everyone, " ...The kingdom of God is at hand.  Repent, and believe in the gospel."

Just like Moses before him, Jesus went to spend time by himself. (Remember, Moses was on the mountain with God for 40 days and brought back the 10 Commandments).  Jesus spends his 40 days with God also, becoming closer to him and knowing what God wants him to do.  Jesus knows that following God's will is often hard, but he loves God and chooses to follow God anyway.

Remember that a few weeks ago we heard that John the Baptist baptized Jesus, and now John the Baptist has been put in jail.  Jesus carries on God's plan,  returning to Galilee to tell everyone that they should follow God.

This past Wednesday which was Ash Wednesday, we started our own 40 days where we get closer to God, just like Moses and Jesus did.  This period of time is called Lent.  During this time, we may pray, spend more time with Jesus through activities like Adoration or Stations of the Cross, do more good things for others, give something up like sweets, or not eat for periods of time (fasting).  We end our 40 days with the celebration of Easter when Jesus rises from the dead.

Questions to ask your child about this week's lesson:
1) How long did Jesus spend out in the wilderness? (40 days)
2) What is our 40 day reflection period that we just entered in as we wait for Jesus to rise from the dead? (Lent)
3) What are you giving up or doing extra to get closer to Jesus during Lent?

COLORING SHEET

by CatholicMom