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

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
God of Mercy,
You love us and call us to be loving toward one another.
Forgive us for the times we hurt you and others.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
The main topic for today is The Sacrament of Reconciliation. To begin invite the young people to write the following questions on a sheet of blank paper:
• What do I need to change in order to become a better person tomorrow than I am today?
• How can I make daily prayer an important part of my life?
• How can I love others as Jesus would love?

Give the youngsters a few moments to quietly reflect on and answer the questions. Then, invite volunteers to share their responses with the large group. Explain that God loves us completely and out of that love flows the forgiveness of sins. With God’s help we can grow and become the people we are called to be.

Listening to the Word of God
In today’s Old Testament reading listen to how God shows the people of Israel mercy and forgiveness.

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

Scripture Discussion Starters
• How does God show the people of Israel mercy and forgiveness?
• How will the people start new?
• Will God remember the sins of the people?

In the gospel today listen to find out what happens when Jesus forgives the sins of a paralyzed man.

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

• How do the people bring the paralyzed man to Jesus?
• What does Jesus do when the man comes before him?
• How is the paralyzed 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 brings him to 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
• When do you need to let go of the past and start new?
• Who loves you in spite of your sinfulness?
• What does it mean to be healed in body and spirit?

[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.

When we turn away from God and sin, the Holy Spirit invites us to turn back to God and be reconciled. Through the sacrament of Reconciliation we receive the grace to begin anew and our relationship with God and the Church is restored.

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.

• Where is there a need for forgiveness in your life?
• How do you show that you are sorry for your sins?
• How can the Sacrament of Reconciliation help you begin anew?

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 made one again with God and the Church.

The Gospel in Life
How can you ask for forgiveness and start new this week?

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 9
Junior High, Church and Sacraments, chapter 7

Connecting to Faith First®
At Home Family Guide, theme 9
Junior High, Liturgy and Morality, chapter 8