Intermediate Session
1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13
John 9:1-41
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
God of Power and Light,
fill us with your light and love.
Help us to live as children of light.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is original and social sin. To begin, provide each child with an unlit candle. Place a lit candle in the center of the room. Invite the children to think of something they want to try to do better in order to be a light for the world. After they have decided what they will try to do better, have each child come forward to light their candle from the candle in the center of the room. Discuss:
- What does it mean to be a light for the world?
- How does the season of Lent help you to change and do better?
- What helps you to live as a child of light?
Allow time for discussion. On this Fourth Sunday of Lent we are reminded to turn away from darkness and become children of light.
Listening to the Word of God
In today’s Old Testament reading, listen to find out whom God chooses to be king
Read 1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- Where does God send Samuel?
- Who does God choose to be king?
- Why does God choose David?
In the Gospel reading today listen to the story of the man born blind.
Read John 9:1-41.
Allow for silence.
- What happens when Jesus meets the man born blind?
- How does Jesus heal the man?
- How do the people in the community react?
- Where do the people bring the man?
- What does Jesus teach about true blindness?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings using the Catechist Background section.
In the Old Testament reading today, God chooses David to be king. David’s brothers are presented to Samuel as the most likely candidates for greatness, but the Lord does not choose any of them. God chooses David, the youngest brother, because God sees beyond outward appearances and into the human heart. The people around David are blind to the young man’s potential for greatness.
God directs Samuel to anoint David, causing the spirit of the Lord to rush upon him. David is given the strength and power to shepherd God’s people as king.
In today’s Gospel we hear the story of the man born blind. As Jesus and his disciples travel along they come upon a man who was blind from birth. The disciples ask Jesus if the sins of the man or his parents caused his blindness. Jesus makes the point that the man is blind without personal fault or his parents’ responsibility.
The man is blind, which shows that darkness and sin exist in the world. Jesus cures the blind man and he comes to believe that Jesus is the light of the world. The man’s neighbors, his family, and the Pharisees refuse to accept Jesus as the light of the world. They are not able to see the truth.
In the story of the man’s healing from blindness to sight, we find someone who sees with eyes of faith. The man showed his faith in Jesus by acknowledging him as the Messiah.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- What can God see in David that the others cannot?
- How important are outward appearances?
- What does the story of the man born blind teach us about darkness and light?
- Who is truly blind in the Gospel story?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Original Sin and Social Sin
God created people free to choose to live in friendship with God or turn away from God’s love. From the start of human history, humanity abused its freedom by choosing darkness over the light. The term “original sin” is used to describe Adam and Eve’s fall from original holiness.
When people choose darkness over light, the entire community is effected. Social sin is the evil that exists in the world as a result of people choosing to turn away from God.
Jesus is the light of the world. Through Jesus, humanity is freed from sin and offered salvation. Through the love and generosity of our creator we are offered healing and new life in baptism.
- What is social sin?
- Why is Jesus the “light of the world?”
- What helps you choose light over the darkness?
The Gospel in Life
Name one action that you can do this week that will help you live as a light in the world.
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