Junior High Session
Isaiah 60:1-6
Matthew 2:1-12

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
God of Light, the light of your saving love shines for all nations.
Guide our thoughts and actions so that we may spread peace and unity throughout the world.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is God’s Universal Offer of Salvation. To begin, divide the large group into small groups of four or five. Have each group work together to create an invention to help bring greater peace and unity into the world today. Provide each group with an index card and have a member of each group write a description their invention on the card. Invite one member of each group to read the description of their invention to the large group.
• What are some obstacles to peace and unity?
• What creative ideas have helped to build peace and unity throughout the world?
• Where is peace and unity most needed in the world today?

Allow time for discussion. On today’s feast of the Epiphany, we focus not on what divides us, but what unites us. The Magi show us that the light of God’s salvation is offered to all people.

Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament reading today, listen to how the light of the Lord shines for all nations.

Read Isaiah 60:1-6.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• What does the prophet Isaiah proclaim to God’s people?
• How does the light of the Lord shine for all nations?
• How will the wealth of nations be brought to the Lord?

In the gospel listen to how the Magi are drawn to the Savior by the light of a star.

Read Matthew 2:1-12.
Allow for silence.

• Where does the light of a star lead the Magi?
• What does King Herod tell the Magi?
• What happens when the Magi see the baby Jesus?
• What do the Magi bring to the child Jesus?
• Why do the Magi decide not to return to King Herod?

Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings using the Catechist Background section.

On The Feast of the Epiphany we celebrate how God revealed Jesus, God’s saving love to the Magi. The Magi, who are Gentiles, symbolize that God’s offer of salvation is for all people.

The Old Testament reading shows the joy felt by the Israelites after their return from Exile. God’s promise to save the people has been fulfilled and God’s saving love shines before the entire world. God is kind and forgiving and all people from every nation are drawn to Jerusalem to give praise to the Lord.

In today’s gospel the Magi come from different lands in search of the Savior. The Magi are foreigners, drawn to the Savior by the light of a star. These strangers find the Christ child and adore him. The Magi are overwhelmed with joy as they kneel to pay homage to the child Jesus. The Magi symbolize that God’s saving love is for all people.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• Why are all people equal in God’s eyes?
• How are you a seeker of God’s truth?
• What gifts do you bring to Jesus?

[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]

Doctrinal Discussion Starters

Universal Offer of Salvation
The Church teaches that Christ is the light of all nations. The Feast of Epiphany reminds us that all people are drawn to and find salvation in the radiance of God’s light. The word Epiphany means “showing forth” or “manifestation.” It is Jesus, the Word made flesh, who is shown as the light for all people. Because we believe that all people are meant to share in the banquet of God’s love, the Church proclaims God’s universal gift of salvation throughout the world.

• How can you help others to understand God’s saving love?
• How does God’s gift of salvation show us that God loves all people equally?
• Where do you find the light of Christ in your daily life?

Sacrament Connection
In the Sacrament of Eucharist, we celebrate the Paschal mystery. The Paschal mystery is Jesus’ passing from death to new life. Through this mystery, God’s plan of salvation is fulfilled in Jesus.

The Gospel in Life
How can you reach out to others and build unity at your school or in your community this week?

Connecting to Faith First®
Junior High, Creed and Prayer, p. 319
Junior High, Liturgy and Morality, p. 319