Intermediate Session
Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14
Luke 15:1-32 [or 15:1-10]

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Loving and merciful God,
when we are lost you call us home to you.
Thank you for your help and forgiveness.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is reconciliation. To begin invite the children to reflect on what it is like to loose something valuable. Provide each child with a pencil and a sheet of paper and ask them write about an experience of loosing something and then finding it. Invite the children to share their stories. Discuss:
• How does it feel to loose something valuable?
• How does it feel when you find something that was lost?
• Have you ever been lost? If so, how did it feel to be found?
Allow time for discussion. All children are valued and loved by God. God wants to find and bring home all children who get lost or go astray. When we sin we lose our way to God. Reconciliation brings us back home.

Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament reading listen to how God forgives his people.
Read Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• How do God’s people lose their way?
• What does God tell Moses?
• What does Moses ask of God?
• Why does God forgive the people who have gone astray?

In the gospel listen to learn what Jesus said about reconciliation.
Read Luke 15:1-32 [or 15:1-10].
Allow for silence.

• Who comes near to listen to Jesus?
• Why do the Pharisees and Scribes have a problem with Jesus?
• Why does Jesus welcome sinners?
• What stories does Jesus tell?
• What do the stories teach about God?

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

In the reading from the Old Testament the people of God go astray. They lose faith and worship the image of a golden calf. The people turn to an idol to replace God even before Moses comes down from the mountaintop. This angers God, but he listens to Moses who pleads for the people. God remains true to the covenant promise that was made with Moses’ ancestors and God shows the people forgiveness. This reading emphasizes the forgiveness of God. Although the people lose faith and rebel, God remains faithful to them.

The gospel continues to stress the forgiveness of God. The passage begins with religious leaders accusing Jesus of welcoming sinners and even eating with them. Jesus responds to their accusations by using stories to help them understand God’s love. These stories are also called parables. Jesus tells these parables to teach his listeners that God not only welcomes sinners, but God also rejoices in their return.

In the first parable about the lost sheep, the shepherd goes out after the one sheep that is lost until he finds it. When the sheep is found the shepherd carries it tenderly on his shoulders back home. God is like the shepherd who goes after his lost sheep. The story teaches about God’s tenderness and love.

In the second parable about the lost coin, the woman takes great care to find what is lost. When the coin is found there is joyful celebration. God is like the woman who searches for the lost coin until it is found. This story reveals how God rejoices in the return of those who have gone astray.

The last parable of the prodigal son also teaches about God’s love and forgiveness, however the reaction of the elder brother adds something new. The elder brother’s jealousy keeps him away from the celebration. It is clear that the religious leaders of Jesus’ time are depicted the elder brother. The point is made that God welcomes all to the feast.

In all three parables Jesus teaches the truth about God’s love. God rejoices over the reconciliation of sinners. It is the Church’s mission to welcome home those who have been lost.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• Is it hard to ask for forgiveness when you have done something wrong?
• Are you able to forgive others?
• Why does God rejoice when a sinner asks for forgiveness?

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

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
The Church’s Ministry of Reconciliation
Jesus came to restore our relationship with God. Therefore the ministry of reconciliation is basic to the Church’s life. Jesus reached out to those who were lost and forgotten. He healed those who were broken physically and spiritually. The healing love of Jesus welcomes us all back to our true home with God.

When bitterness and hatred exist between people, within families, and between races there is a need for reconciliation. Many people need help in order to find their way back to God. Jesus’ mission of reconciliation continues in the Church and it is not limited to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The entire people of God are called to reach out to those who have lost their way.
• Where does bitterness and hatred exist in the world today?
• How can you help bring people back to God?
• How does the sacrament of reconciliation help to heal people who have gone astray?

The Gospel in Life
Share the good news about God’s forgiveness with someone this week?

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 9
Grade 4, chapter 14
Grade 5, chapter 18
Grade 6, chapter 17

Connecting to Faith First® Original Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 9
Grade 4, chapter 14
Grade 5, chapter 18
Grade 6, chapter 17