Junior High Session
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Mark 1:14-20
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
God of all goodness, you call us to spread your goodness and light.
Give us the courage to make good choices and stand up for what is right.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is sin and repentance. To begin divide a sheet of poster paper into two columns. Title the first column “Obstacles” and invite the young people to brainstorm all that keeps them from making choices that are good and right. Write down their responses. Title the second column “Following Jesus” and invite the young people to brainstorm how they can overcome the obstacles that keep them from making good choices. Write down their responses. Discuss:
• In your daily life what guides you in making choices?
• How do you know when you have made a wrong choice?
• How do you know when you have made a good choice?
Allow time for discussion. We show the kinds of choices we make each day through our words and actions. As Christians, we are called to make the choice to follow Jesus every day of our lives.
Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament reading today the people of Nineveh are faced with a choice. Listen to find out what they choose.
Read Jonah 3:1-5, 10.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• What is Jonah called by God to do?
• What choice are the people of Nineveh faced with?
• What do the people of Nineveh choose?
In the gospel today listen to hear what four fishermen choose to do.
Read Mark 1:14-20.
Allow for silence.
• What does Jesus say to Simon and his brother Andrew?
• What choice do the fishermen make?
• What choice are James and his brother John called to make?
• What do they leave behind?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings using the Catechist Background section.
In the first 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.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• When are you reluctant to follow God’s call?
• How does being a Christian call believers to a new way of life?
• 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 Starter
Sin and Repentance
All that God has created is good. We are created by God to live in right relationship with God, one another, and with all creation. However, the world God created is wounded by sin. The story of Adam and Eve illustrates the tragic effects of the first disobedience that we name original sin. Human beings originally created by God as good are harmed by sin. By choosing to sin, we turn away from God who is good. 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?
• What helps you avoid sin?
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 seek God’s help in making choices this week?
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