Purpose of the class: bring the group awareness that Spiritism has as a mission to complete; it is here to teach us more clearly what Jesus had taught more than 2000 years ago. Spiritism did not come to change the law (just as Jesus didn’t), but rather to help us fulfil it.
Greetings and Opening prayer
First: retrospective.
Who was Moses? What was his mission?
Moses lived long before Jesus and was sent by God to the Jewish people to teach the importance of believing in one God. He received the 10 Commandments on Mount Si.
Who was Jesus and what did he come to teach? What did he promise?
Jesus was sent by God to teach and exemplify the divine laws through his life example. He promised to send the Consoler in the future; this is a new opportunity for those who failed to understand or put his teachings into practice.
What is Spiritism? Who created these teachings?
Spiritism is the Consoler promised by Jesus; the new opportunities promised by the Master. The lessons came from the spirits, through several intermediaries.
What is its mission?
Spiritism is aimed at the Spirit’s moral transformation through the practice of good attitudes; so that all Spirits can evolve towards happiness and perfection.
Second: exposition through dialogue.
The mission of Spiritism is to complete and teach more clearly what Jesus had taught about two thousand years ago. It explains many things the Master could not explain at the time. It remembers his teachings in its original purity and simplicity. It reveals the true meaning of the Gospel of Jesus: to practice goodness.
Spiritism is not just a Christian religion. Spiritism is more than this: it is Christianity that returns in its purity, simplicity and unique strength, through the Spirit of Truth.
Spiritism is a wonderful voice that speaks in all languages; to the wise it speaks the word of science, to the humble it speaks the words of love.
Spiritism has brought back the dynamic religion dedicated to the study, to the efforts of inner reformation, to the charity towards others. It explains that we should not practice rituals, offerings, litanies, liturgies, wear vestments (ornaments) or special clothing, smoke, drink, use candles, or any objects of worship.
Spiritism is not just a Christian religion, but it brings us closer to the teachings and example of Jesus. It came to fulfil Jesus’ promise: "But the Comforter, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said." (John 14: 26).
Third - ask:
What should be our attitude toward the mission of Spiritism?
Study Spiritism and practice it in our day-to-day lives.
What can be found in Spiritism is not found in other places: colleges, academies or churches; it will certainly give us guidance through moment of uncertainty.
Spiritism is a bond that unites the spirits; connecting us all to God.
Let’s take part in this meeting, in this school, with good intentions, with the desire to instruct ourselves. Thus, we will be under the guidance of good Spirits that drive this movement of human spirituality.
Fourth: tell them the parable of the lost sheep.
Fifth: ask the questions listed below:
01 – In what situations are we behaving like the lost sheep? When we find ourselves self-sufficient (not needing the help of anyone to guide us); when we want beyond what we require to live; when vices are acquired: we eat greedily, we want everything we see, etc...
02 – Why do we also need a shepherd, as the sheep do? Sometimes people face serious problems in life and need help from someone who is stronger and wiser.
03 – What kind of pastor do you think the sheep would like to have? The sheep would like to have a pastor who is patient, strong, as well as courageous. One who knows where there is food.
04 – What kind of pastor would you like to have? A pastor who understands us and looks after us; someone we can turn to when we are having difficulties.
05 – Spiritism tells us of someone who wants to be our good shepherd. Who can tell me his name? Jesus.
Sixth: analysis of the parable.
Sometimes people get sick and need help; face major problems in life and need help from someone patient, strong, wise and courageous. They need the help of someone who knows how to lead through roads where understanding and strength can be found. This person should also be someone who understands and cares for us; someone we can turn to when we are having difficulties.
Spiritism came with a mission to lead us into our good shepherd, Jesus.
The parable shows us that, far from the Divine Shepherd, we can only find suffering, danger, misery and death. But if we follow the Spiritist teachings, we will not only give joy to our Good Shepherd Jesus, but to God, our Father. Our Friends and Spiritual Benefactors will also rejoice immensely.
Seventh: apply the group dynamics The Lost Sheep.
Eighth - to ask:
01 - How did you feel trying to find the sheepfold?
02 - How did you feel when the pastor came to help?
03 – In what way is Spiritism similar to a shepherd to us? Spiritism directs us to the path of righteousness; comforts, encourages and gives us hope through the teachings of Jesus.
04 – What shall we do to be a sheep from Jesus’ flock? Study Spiritism and practice it in our day-to-day; that is: to know the teachings of Jesus through the study of Spiritism and experience it, just like the sheep that recognizes the voice of their shepherd and follows him.
Ninth: conclude the study.
We must study them, to know the laws of God. But one existence is not enough for us to understand them. The laws of God are in our consciousness, but we must remember and understand them.
God sent wise men on missions to show us His laws at all times. These are higher Spirits that could also be called prophets.
The true prophet is a good man, inspired by God. He can be recognized by both his words and his actions. The most perfect being sent by God was Jesus.
The Spirits help us to understand the laws of God, in language appropriate to our present times; through the study of the Spiritist Teachings.
Closing Prayer
Suggested Class suitable for: 3rd cycle (11 to 12 years old) and Youth I (13 to 14 years old).
Suggested lesson received from Sandra Ramos Medeiros, Spiritist Center ‘Fé, Amor e Caridade’.
Translation: Carolina von Scharten, London, linked to BUSS - The British Union of Spiritist Societies.
