Intermediate Session
Isaiah 43:16-21
John 8:1-11
Let us pray.
God of healing,
thank you for your forgiveness and love.
Help us to look forward to Easter
and the celebration of new life.
In the name of Jesus Christ, your son, we pray.
Amen.
On this Fifth Sunday of Lent we renew the new life that we received in Baptism. To begin today’s session, take a walk outside with the children to look for signs of new life. Buds on trees, blossoms and cocoons are all signs of rebirth and renewal. Discuss:
Allow time for discussion. Lent is the Church’s season of renewal. During Lent we renew the new life that we have received in baptism and we look forward to celebrating new life at Easter.
In today’s Old Testament reading listen to the gift of new life that is offered to the Israelites.
Read Isaiah 43:16-21.
Allow for silence.
In the today’s Gospel listen to Jesus give someone the gift of a new beginning.
Read John 8:1-11.
Allow for silence.
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings.
In the first reading from the Old Testament the Israelites are given hope and encouragement during their exile in Babylon. They are told to let go of the things of old because the Lord is giving them a new beginning. God forgives the past transgressions of the Chosen People and offers them new life.
This reading from the book of Isaiah reassures the Israelites that God has not given up on them. They can look forward to what God is about to do on their behalf. After all, they remain God’s Chosen People.
In today’s Gospel reading we hear a story about a woman whom the scribes and Pharisees bring before Jesus because she has been accused of adultery. We get the idea that the religious leaders are trying to trick Jesus so that they will have something to accuse him of. They are quick to point out that the Law of Moses says that the woman should be stoned. Jesus’ reaction is brilliant. After writing in the dirt on the ground he stands up and tells them that whoever is without sin can throw the first stone.
Jesus is left standing alone with the woman. He asks her if anyone has condemned her. Then he tells her to go and sin no more. Jesus gives the woman the gift of a new start. She leaves her encounter with Jesus reconciled to God, to her community and to herself.
This Gospel story reveals that God forgives our past sins and loves us unconditionally. This frees us to let go of the past so that we may lead a new life of grace.
If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.
God forgives our sins and loves us unconditionally. In Jesus this divine love is shown fully. Jesus ate and drank with sinners offering them healing and a new start.
For those who have sinned after Baptism, the Sacrament of Reconciliation offers forgiveness and a new start. The healing brought about by the sacrament helps a person to change. Catholics celebrate repentance and conversion in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Find out the date and time for your parish celebration of the sacrament of Reconciliation so that you can celebrate the sacrament during Lent.
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 9
Grade 4, page 259 parish and page 367 school, and chapter 14
Grade 5, page 259 parish and page 367 school, and chapter 16
Grade 6, page 259 parish and page 367 school, and chapter 17
Blest Are We
Grade 4, chapter 14
Grade 5, chapter 16
Grade 6, chapter 14