Junior High Session
Isaiah 63:16-17, 19; 64:2-7
Mark 13:33-37
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Come Lord Jesus, fill our hearts with expectant hope
as we wait for your coming into the world.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The theme for the First Sunday of Advent is The Second Coming. To begin, invite the young people to reflect on what it is like to wait for something. Divide the large group into small groups of four or five. Invite the youngsters to imagine that their job is to design products for a specialty item store and they were given the task of creating a waiting game. Invite each group to design a game for people to use while they are waiting. Provide poster paper and markers for the group activity. Give each group an opportunity to describe their game to the large group. Discuss:
• If you had a “waiting game,” when would you use it?
• What is it like to wait for something that you are looking forward to?
• What do we wait for during the season of Advent?
Allow time for discussion. During the season of Advent we wait for the coming of Jesus. While we wait, we reflect on what the coming of Jesus means to the world and we reach out to bring hope to others.
Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament reading, listen to how God’s people seek the Lord’s forgiveness with hope.
Read Isaiah 63:16-17, 19; 64:2-7.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• How does the prophet Isaiah address God?
• Why do God’s people seek forgiveness?
• Why are the people hopeful that God will be merciful?
In the gospel today, listen to the call to keep alert and stay awake.
Read Mark 13:33-37.
Allow for silence.
• Why do the followers of Jesus need to keep alert and stay awake?
• When will the Lord come?
• How can the people be ready for the Lord’s coming?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings using the Catechist Background section.
During the season of Advent the scripture readings focus on the coming of Jesus Christ in two ways: first, by anticipating the final coming of the Lord at the end of time. Then, as we get closer to Christmas the scripture readings center on Christ’s coming in human history. The gospel for this First Sunday of Advent is clearly focused on being alert and ready for the Second Coming.
In the first reading from the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah calls out to God on behalf of God’s people. The people have become unfaithful and are filled with guilt for their sins. Isaiah calls on God who has saved the Jewish people in the past. He asks God to come and save the people of Israel. Isaiah calls God “our redeemer” which shows the special relationship that Israel shared with Yahweh. Today’s passage acknowledges the guilt and brokenness of the people of Israel and it shows their dependence on a merciful God who will save them.
Today’s gospel presents the theme of watchful waiting. Jesus tells the parable of a man who leaves his servants in charge while he goes on a journey, and then he returns unexpectedly. Jesus uses this story to teach about the importance of an attitude of watchfulness and being ready when the Lord comes.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• What do the scripture readings focus on during the season of Advent?
• Why does Isaiah call God redeemer?
• In today’s gospel, why does Jesus tell the story of a man who goes on journey?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to theGospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starter
The Second Coming
Advent is the season that leads up to and prepares us for Christmas. We anticipate the birth of the Lord, the presence of God among us. During Advent we also look forward to the Second Coming of Jesus at the end of time. As believers we look forward to the Second Coming of Christ with hope. We live with the joyful expectation of living with Jesus forever in glory. The season of Advent reminds us to be ready because we do not know the hour or the day. The end time may be upon us at any moment. We anticipate the Second Coming of Christ with hope and joy because we believe that Jesus will come to bring an end to suffering and death, he will bring the fullness of God’s kingdom. As we wait in joyful anticipation we pray with the early Christians, “Our Lord, come!”
• What do we prepare for during the season of Advent?
• Why do believers look forward to the Second Coming of Christ with hope?
• What will Jesus bring when he comes again in glory?
Sacrament Connection
In the Eucharist Christ is really made present. In the celebration of the Eucharist we acknowledge the power of Christ to transform everything. Celebrating Eucharist makes us ready for Christ who may arrive at any moment and bring the fullness of the kingdom.
The Gospel in Life
How can you reach out to people in need and bring them hope during the season of Advent?
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