Intermediate Session
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Mark 1:14-20
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
God of goodness, you call us to live good lives.
Help us to make good and loving choices.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is sin and repentance. To begin, draw two paths on a large sheet of poster paper or a chalkboard. Mark one path “Wrong Way” and the other “Right Way.” Invite the children to brainstorm bad choices that they may make and write their responses on the path marked “Wrong Way.” Then brainstorm good choices they may make and write their responses on the path marked “Right Way.” Discuss:
• How do you know when you have made a bad choice?
• What helps make things better after a bad choice?
• How do you know when you have made a good choice?
Allow time for discussion. Sometimes we make bad choices that can lead us down the wrong path. When we remember the importance of forgiveness, we allow God to lead us back on the right path.
Listening to the Word of God
In today’s Old Testament reading listen to how Jonah helps the people of Nineveh to choose the right path.
Read Jonah 3:1-5, 10.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• What is Jonah called by God to do?
• How does Jonah help the people of Nineveh to choose the right path?
• What do the people do?
In the gospel today listen to find out how four fishermen change their lives.
Read Mark 1:14-20.
Allow for silence.
• How does Jesus call Simon and his brother Andrew?
• How does Jesus call James and his brother John?
• How are the lives of the four fishermen changed?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings using theCatechist Background section.
In the Old Testament reading the people of Nineveh have an important choice to make. Jonah is sent by God to warn the people to change their wicked ways. Jonah is reluctant at first. But finally, Jonah makes the right choice to go to Nineveh and God gives him the power to preach God’s message. To his surprise, Jonah’s preaching in the wicked Gentile city of Nineveh is very effective and the Ninevites choose faith in God. God reacts generously to Jonah’s preaching and everyone in Nineveh is saved.
The message in today’s gospel is clear. Repent and believe in the gospel. Jesus carries John the Baptist’s message of repentance further, adding the important call to faith. Simon, Andrew, James, and John drop everything in response to Jesus’ call. They choose to leave behind their livelihood as fishermen to take on a new mission. We see how the call to follow Jesus is a call to a new way of life for all those who respond.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• How can you help someone to make a good choice?
• Who helps you make good choices?
• What changes do you need to make in order to follow Jesus more closely?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to theGospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Sin and Repentance
God created human beings and all of creation good. We are created by God to live in right relationship with God, one another, and with all of creation. However, the world God created is wounded by sin. Human beings originally created by God as good are harmed by sin. By choosing to sin, we turn away from God.
Catholics understand that with the help of God’s grace we can repent and turn away from sin and turn back to God. We can choose light over darkness. Living in God’s love brings healing and light into the world.
• What does it mean to sin?
• How can we choose light over darkness?
Sacrament Connection
In the Sacrament of Reconciliation we receive the forgiveness of our sins and we are reconciled with God and the community. The Sacrament of Reconciliation celebrates God’s merciful love and forgiveness.
The Gospel in Life
How can you bring the light of God’s love to others this week?
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