Intermediate Session
Isaiah 62:1-5
John 2:1-11

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Loving God, thank you for our families.
Strengthen our family relationships so that our lives together may reflect your love.
In the name of Jesus we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
To begin today’s session invite the children to brainstorm all the occasions that they celebrate. Discuss:
• Why do we celebrate important occasions?
• What is needed for a good celebration?
• What can go wrong with a celebration?
• What occasion do you enjoy celebrating the most?

Allow time for discussion. Explain that Jesus celebrated important occasions too. One of the first miracles that Jesus performed was at a wedding celebration. When Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding in Cana, he revealed his glory as the Messiah.

Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament listen to how God’s love is described.

Read Isaiah 62:1-5.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• What message is given to Jerusalem?
• Why will the people of Israel be called God’s delight?
• What image is used in this reading to describe God’s love?

In the gospel reading listen to find out what Jesus does at a wedding celebration.

Read John 2:1-11.
Allow for silence.

• Who did Jesus attend the wedding with?
• What did Jesus’ mother tell him at the celebration?
• How did Jesus respond to the shortage of wine?
• Why did Jesus turn the water into wine?
• What effect did this miracle have on the disciples?

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

The Old Testament reading today was written after Israel’s return from exile in Babylon. Because the people of Israel were uncertain about their future, the prophet writes to reassure them that Jerusalem will be restored to a place of honor. God’s promise of faithfulness is renewed. This first reading is full of marital imagery. Israel is described as the spouse in whom God delights. The people are assured that God’s love is everlasting.

In today’s gospel Jesus reveals his glory at a wedding celebration in Cana. Jesus attends a wedding feast with his mother and his disciples. During the celebration Jesus’ mother notices that there is no more wine. Knowing that this will embarrass the bride and groom, she brings the situation to her son’s attention. Jesus listens to his mother. Even though he tells her that his time has not yet come, Jesus tells the servers to fill the jars with water. The water is then transformed into wine and the celebration goes on. This gospel describes the first of Jesus’ signs that he is the Messiah. As a result of the miracle at Cana, the disciples believe in Jesus.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• What do two people celebrate when they get married?
• Why does Jesus think it is important to help the bride and groom?
• What signs of God’s love do you see each day?

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

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
The Sacrament of Marriage
Love is our source of happiness and fulfillment. Love comes from God. The Catholic Church teaches that because married couples love each other, they reflect the love of God. Marriage is not simply a human institution, it is part of God’s plan in creation. Jesus confirmed the goodness of love in marriage by his presence at the wedding in Cana.

Marriage is a sacrament when two baptized persons freely enter into a lifelong bond of faithful love. When two people are united in this way, they are graced with the presence of God. It is the love and grace of God that helps married couples to love one another.

• How can married couples be a sign of God’s love?
• Why is marriage part of God’s plan in creation?
• How does Jesus help us to love one another?

The Gospel in Life
Send a wedding anniversary card to a married couple that you admire. Let them know how important they are to you.

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, themes 10 and 23
Grade 4, chapter 16
Grade 5, chapter 17
Grade 6, chapter 18

Connecting to Faith First®
At Home Family Guide, themes 10 and 23
Grade 4, chapter 16
Grade 5, chapter 17
Grade 6, chapter 18