Fearfully and Wonderfully Made - Image and Likeness

Transcription

1 Fearfully and Wonderfully Made - Image and Likeness Prepared by Theresa Simeo Lesson Overview Objectives for deeper understanding: The teens will be able to explain what it means to be created in the image and likeness of God through catechesis, hearing about real life stories, and by spending time in reflective prayer. They will be able to describe what separates human beings from animals. Finally, they will be able to explain why God chose to create us in his image and likeness. Objectives for Inviting learners to a change of heart: The teens will be moved to respond to the great love that God has for them. They will treat themselves and others with respect, spend more time in prayer thanking God for his gifts, and be more open to following his plan for their lives. Lesson Details Subject area(s): Religion, Moral Theology Grade Level: High School Resource Type: Close Reading/Reflection, Discussion Guide, PowerPoint Presentation, Video Special Learners This resource was developed with the following special learners in mind: Traditional Classroom Homeschooled Students CCD/Parish-Based Education

2 Lesson Plan Catechetical Lesson Plan According to the Ecclesial Method Topic of Catechesis: Image and Likeness High School Youth Group Catechesis This catechesis will start in the youth group room and will move to the Church for the closing prayer I. Learning Objectives (the participant will ) Objectives for deeper understanding The teens will be able to explain what it means to be created in the image and likeness of God. They will be able to describe what separates humans from the animals. Finally, they will be able to explain why God chose to create us in his image and likeness. Objectives for Inviting Learners to a change of heart The teens will be moved to respond to the great love that God has for them. They will treat themselves and others with respect, spend more time in prayer thanking God for his gifts, and be more open to following his plan for their lives. II. Materials/Resources Needed (textbooks, media/technology, supplies, handouts, etc.): Catechism and Bible for reference, sacred space supplies for Church (cross, candles, fabric, poster for verse, etc ), extra candles for all participants, handout for application step, projector for the PowerPoint, speakers for the music III. Catechetical Foundations: CHRISTOCENTRICITY: What does this topic have to do with Jesus and the love that never ends? This presentation focuses on the love God shows us by creating man in his image and likeness. God s very being is love and we are called to respond to God in love.

3 SCRIPTURAL DRIVING FORCE: Which foundational scriptures will be used so the teaching relies on God s Word? Psalm 139:14 (I am wonderfully and fearfully made), Genesis 1:26-27 (So God created man in his own image), Genesis 5:1-3 (Adam became the father of a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth), Ephesians 1:5-6 (He destined us in love to be his sons), Revelation 21:7 (I will be his God, and he will be my son) PRIMARY CATECHISM SECTIONS: Which texts from the Catechism of the Catholic Church are central to understanding this topic? CCC 221 (God s very being is love and he has destined us to share in that ), CCC 357 (being in the image of God means that we have dignity, we are capable of self-knowledge, entering into communion with others, etc ), CCC 1024 (Heaven is the ultimate fulfillment of our desires), CCC 357 (Being in the image of God we are called to offer God a response of faith) OTHER IMPORTANT RESOURCES: What other creative resources will be helpful in this catechesis? (Textbook pages, websites, other books, maps, movie clips, music, art, stories, newspaper articles, etc.) Music: Something Holy by Stellar Kart, Art: The Creation of Man by Michelangelo (cropped appropriately), aesthetically pleasing PowerPoint, article about the story of Grant Desme: ( III. Procedure: Preparation (calculated disengagement/prayer) (13 Minutes) Group Game- Rock, Paper, Scissors Animal Style This game is like rock, paper, & scissors. Split the group into two equal teams. Have them line up at opposing sides of a large room. As a team, the members will decide on one action. Have the youth create them before you start. Human beats the Fish - Fish beats the Worm Worm beats the Human. After the discussion, both sides approach the center line. Count to three and have all participants show the action their team decided upon. After the actions are shown if your team s symbol loses you must dash back to your own end zone before you re caught by the winning person. Those people who get caught change to the other team. The game ends when everyone is on the same team. Prayer- Read Psalm 8:3-9- Use the game as a reminder of God s great gift of creating man above all the creatures, in his own image and likeness: When I look at thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars which thou hast established; what is man that thou art mindful of him, and the son of man that thou dost care for him? Yet thou hast

4 made him little less than God, and dost crown him with glory and honor. Thou hast given him dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the sea. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is thy name in all the earth! Proclamation (short, poignant statement of heart/core truth of teaching) (2 Minutes) I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139:14 Explanation (content and method of delivery) (25 min.) POWERPOINT PRESENTATION A. The Creation of the world -6 days of creation, saving the best for last, man as crown of creation, distinguished from the other creatures -CCC 358- God created everything for man -more precious, more beautiful than all of creation! Use Michaelangelo s The Creation of Man artwork to drive home this point B. Created in God s Image and Likeness -Gen. 1: what an honor to be in God s image and likeness! -Gives us dignity and purpose- we alone out of all the creatures are called to share in God s own life- we are different than the animals - Capable of self-knowledge/understanding, freewill/choosing our actions, loving others and entering into communion/relationships with them -We are not just something, but someone C. Image and Likeness indicates a family relationship

5 -Gen. 5:1-3, Seth was in Adam s likeness -Because we are in the image and likeness of God it means we are his sons and daughters, his children (Eph. 1:5-6, Rev. 21:7) -Seen in the Baptismal Rite, especially in the Intercessions: We have been called by the Lord to be a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people he has acquired for himself. Let us ask him to show his mercy to these children, who are to receive the graces of baptism, to their parents and godparents, and to all the baptized everywhere. Through baptism may these children become God s own beloved sons and daughters. We pray to the Lord. D. Why does God create us in his image and likeness? Why does he call us to be his children? - Out of LOVE -God had no other reason to create than his love and goodness: Creatures came into existence when the key of love opened his hand - St. Thomas Aquinas (CCC 293) -CCC 221- God s very being is love -We are called to respond in love CCC 357 -This is what we desire from the depths of our hearts b. we were made in his image we are ordered towards him and God alone satisfies E. The Goal of Human Existence -Heaven is the ultimate end and fulfillment of all our deepest desires CCC We were made for so much more than this world has to offer F. Application in the life of Grant Desme - Being in the image of God he is called by grace to offer a response of faith and love that no other creature can give in his stead CCC 357 -Grant Desme was a top prospect who quit professional baseball to enter the religious life His story: (

6 and-tries-to-find-his-peace.html ) Application (of doctrinal topic to personal life and to culture/real world) (15 min.) -Move to Church, the lights are dim and there is a sacred space in front of the altar. Each teen is given a lit, white candle and told to find a quiet spot in the pews. - This reflection will be read ( you are more beautiful than all of nature, etc God wants to live in communion with you and give you his freedom) -Ask the teens to privately consider how they can offer God a response of faith and love, and give them time to write down resolutions (the worksheet will give them examples such as spend ten minutes a day in prayer, Live everyday with purpose and know that Heaven is your goal, work on respecting yourself and others, etc ) -After adequate time for reflection, the teens are encouraged to come forward and place their candles by the sacred space in front of the altar as a sign of their commitment to Christ. Afterwards they will return to their seats. Celebration (ending in a place of gratitude and praise) and assignment: (5 min.) -Together the teens will pray this prayer: (on their handout) My Identity in God I am a child of the most high God! I am made in the image and likeness of God! He has given me dignity, value, and worth. I will place my hope in him and the power of his resurrection. The Holy Spirit has chosen to dwell within my heart. I will walk in this Truth! I claim this identity as my own today, tomorrow, and the rest of my life. -To end, the song Something Holy by Stellar Kart will be played