Children's Liturgy Series: 1st Sunday of Lent (Cycle B)

In today's Gospel we learn about how Jesus overcame temptation while fasting for 40 days in the desert.

Father in Heaven we praise and glorify you. We thank you for bringing us together for this children's liturgy lesson. Please send us the Holy Spirit.  Fill us with your peace, love, and wisdom. Help us to understand the message you have for us today. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts,and the angels ministered to him.

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God:“This is the time of fulfillment.The kingdom of God is at hand.Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Say: In Mark’s Gospel, we don't hear details about how Satan tempted Jesus, nor do we hear how Jesus succeeded in resisting temptation. In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus’ battle with Satan continues throughout his life, to be concluded only at his death on the cross.

Say: During Lent, we focus on resisting temptation in our lives. We renew our commitment to resist certain temptations, but our efforts during Lent are only the beginning. We pray that what we begin during each Lent will continue long after.

Allow some time for prayer and reflection. Think about the following questions: How will you try to resist the temptations in your life? What help will you need to do this? 

Say: Remember, no one succeeds in resisting temptation alone. God helps us!

Lead the children in a prayer for God’s help to resist temptation. Pray the Act of Contrition.

Father in heaven, we thank you for this children's liturgy lesson. Thank you for teaching us how to overcome temptation as Jesus did, through praying and knowing scripture. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.