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

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
God of light, you revealed your son Jesus Christ
to every nation with the guidance of a star.
Help us always to be seekers of your truth.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
On Epiphany the wise men provide us with the image of determined seekers. To begin today’s session invite the young people to reflect on where they turn to find answers to questions about life. Discuss:
• Where do young people look to find meaning and purpose in life?
• How can young people search for truth today?
• How does the light of Christ guide you?

Allow time for discussion. The journey of the magi is the journey of all believers, to seek and follow Christ. Coming from different lands, they symbolize how all races and peoples are co-heirs of the Reign of God.

Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament reading God fulfills a promise. Listen to how God shines light on the darkness.

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

Scripture Discussion Starters
• The light has come for whom?
• Who will gather together?
• What will those who come to praise the Lord bring with them?

In the gospel today three wise men take a journey in search of a king. Listen to find out where their search leads them.

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

• From where did the wise men travel?
• Who were they looking for?
• Why were they following a star?
• What did King Herod want from the wise men?
• Where did the star lead the wise men?
• What did the wise men do when they found baby Jesus?
• Why did they decide not to inform King Herod about where Jesus was?

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. Our 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
• How do you experience God’s love and mercy?
• Does God offer the gift of salvation to all people?
• How do you follow the light of Christ?

[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 the universality of God’s gift of salvation. 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 is your response to God’s free gift of salvation?
• How does the universality of God’s salvation influence your attitudes toward people who are different from you?

The Gospel in Life
Be a seeker of Christ. Consider how you can turn to Jesus when you search for meaning in life.

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 25
Junior High, Church History, chapter 1

Connecting to Faith First®
At Home Family Guide, theme 25
Junior High, Creed and Prayer, page 319
Junior High, Liturgy and Morality, page 319