Intermediate Session
Isaiah 43:18-19, 21-22, 24b-25
Mark 2:1-12

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
God of Mercy, you always forgive us our sins.
Help us to seek forgiveness and to forgive others.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
The topic for today is the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Divide the group into small groups. In their group, invite the children to share a time when they felt sorry for something that they had done. Then have each group role play a situation where someone asks for forgiveness after doing something wrong. Discuss:
• What is it like to feel sorry for something you have done?
• What are some ways that you can ask for forgiveness?
• What is it like to be forgiven?

Allow time for discussion. When we sin we hurt our friendship with God and others. When we celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation we are forgiven and reconciled again with God and one another.

Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament reading listen to how God forgives the people of Israel and gives them a new start.

Read Isaiah 43:18-19, 21-22, 24b-25.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• What does God offer the people of Israel?
• How does God give the people a new start?
• Will God remember the sins of the people?

In today’s gospel listen to find out what happens when a paralyzed man is brought to Jesus.

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

• How do the people bring the paralyzed man to Jesus?
• What happens when Jesus meets the man who is paralyzed?
• How is the man healed?

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

Today’s first reading from the Old Testament encourages the people of Israel not to dwell on the past but to see something new in the forgiveness of God. The people are given hope in a God whose love is constant. God’s beloved people are called home in spite of their sinfulness.

In today’s gospel Jesus proclaims that the kingdom of God is at hand. Crowds of people gather to listen to Jesus. The crowds get in the way of those carrying a paralyzed man on a stretcher. They have to break through the roof in order to get the man to Jesus. Jesus cures the paralyzed man and gives him full health. Jesus tells him that his sins are forgiven. This astonishes the crowd and some of the scribes begin to question Jesus. They believed that no one could forgive sins but God alone. The cure of the paralytic in this gospel shows Jesus to be the one who heals both body and spirit.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• What is it like to be given a new start?
• How can we gather to listen to Jesus today?
• How does Jesus help to heal people today?

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

Doctrinal Discussion Starters

The Sacrament of Reconciliation
God loves us completely and unconditionally. From this abundant love flows the forgiveness of sins. God’s divine love is made known through Jesus Christ. Through his life, ministry, suffering, death and resurrection, Jesus shows us the way to new life. Baptism joins us to Christ and we are given new life as children of God. Those who turn away from God’s love and sin after baptism are not baptized again, but instead experience the mercy and forgiveness of God in the sacrament of reconciliation.

There are four parts to the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. First, the believer acknowledges the love of God and expresses sorrow for having sinned. A resolution to avoid sin in the future is also expressed. Second, the sins themselves are admitted. This is always done privately to a priest, who presides over the celebration of this sacrament. Third, the wrong that is done in sinning must be compensated by an action that will help heal the harm done. This is also known as penance. Fourth, the priest extends his hands over the head of the believer in blessing and prays a prayer of absolution. The absolution prayer expresses that it is God alone who forgives us and calls us back to God and the Church.

• How does God show love for us?
• What is the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
• How does the Sacrament of Reconciliation give us a new start?

Sacrament Connection
The Sacrament of Reconciliation celebrates God’s mercy and forgiving love. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation our sins are forgiven and we are united again with God and the Church.

The Gospel in Life
How can you show forgiveness in your family this week?

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 9
Grade 4, chapter 14
Grade 5, chapter 16
Grade 6, chapter 17

Connecting to Faith First®
At Home Family Guide, theme 9
Grade 4, chapter 14
Grade 5, chapter 16
Grade 6, chapter 17