Intermediate Session
Isaiah 60:1-6
Matthew 2:1-12

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
God of light let your light shine as a beacon of hope for all people.
Help us bring the light of your love to all those we meet.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
On Epiphany the wise men show us the way to God’s saving love. Their search leads to Jesus. To begin today’s session invite the children to explore how they can search for Jesus.

Provide a variety of different objects and symbols for the children to look at such as a crayon, a rock, a leaf, a bible, a crucifix, a family photo album, a candle etc. Place the items on a table for the children to examine. Invite the children to choose three items that help direct them to Jesus. Discuss:
• How does each of the items that you chose lead you to Jesus?
• What was not on the table that helps you to find your way to Jesus?

Allow time for discussion. The light of a star helped the three wise men find Jesus. Their journey is the journey of all believers, to seek and follow Jesus Christ who is the savior of the world.

Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament reading listen to how the light has come for all nations.
Read Isaiah 60:1-6.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• What has God brought to the people?
• Who will come to the light?
• Why will the people praise the Lord?

In the gospel today three wise men follow the light of a star. Listen to find out where the star leads them.

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

• Where did the wise men come from?
• Who were they looking for?
• Why were they following a star?
• Where did the star lead the wise men?
• How did the wise men feel when they found baby Jesus?
• Why did they kneel down before Jesus?

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

In the Old Testament reading God’s promise of deliverance to the people of Israel has been fulfilled. The saving act of God’s love is like a beacon of light shining before the entire world. The love and mercy of God has drawn even the Gentiles to the Holy City, proclaiming the praises of the Lord.

Dreams, stars, treasures, there is a mystical feel to today’s gospel. The wise men embark on a journey with no apparent destination. The search is for salvation. A bright shining star serves as the guide. We can almost feel the intensity of the light as it leads to the Christ child. The distinguished travelers are overwhelmed with joy as they kneel to pay homage to the newborn king.

In today’s gospel, these Gentile astrologers who follow the light of a star are truly the enlightened ones. The wise men come from foreign lands, yet they unite to pay homage to their savior. This reveals the universality of God’s offer of salvation.

“Epiphania” means revelation. On Epiphany we celebrate that God’s saving love is revealed to us through the birth of Jesus. On Epiphany we are reminded that we too are in search of salvation. Like the three wise men, we are led to Jesus, the savior of the world.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• Where do you see God’s love and mercy in the world today?
• Where can people look to find Jesus?
• Where do you look to find Jesus?

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

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Christ is the light of all nations.
Epiphany brings to light that God’s gift of salvation is for all people. In the Catholic Church several Eucharistic prayers emphasize this theme, “…from age to age you gather a people to yourself, so that from east to west a perfect offering may be made to the glory of your name”(Eucharistic Prayer III). The universal Church carries with it a mission to preach the Word of God and proclaim the kingdom of God throughout the whole world.

The message of Epiphany is so needed today when differences among people can cause fear and mistrust. The wise men symbolize that God’s salvation has come for all.

• What can you do to lead people to Jesus?
• How can you help let others know that God’s gift of salvation is for all people?

The Gospel in Life
Share with your family and friends how the objects you chose in today’s opening activity help lead to Jesus.

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 25
Grade 4, page 249 parish and 359 school
Grade 5, page 249 parish and 359 school
Grade 6, page 249 parish and 359 school

Connecting to Faith First®
At Home Family Guide, theme 25
Grade 4, page 288
Grade 5, page 288
Grade 6, page 288