Children's Liturgy Series: 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us the parable of the two sons, and teaches that actions speak louder than words.

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 so we can understand the lesson you have for us today. Help us to be inspired to take your words, internalize them, and put them into practice with action in our daily lives. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people: "What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, 'Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.' He said in reply, 'I will not, 'but afterwards changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, 'Yes, sir, 'but did not go. Which of the two did his father's will?" They answered, "The first."

Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him."

1. Recall Questions (What happened in the story?)

How many sons were in Jesus' story?
What did the father ask his sons to do?
What did the first son say at first?
Did the first son eventually go and do the work?
What did the second son say to his father?
Did the second son actually go and do the work?
Which son obeyed his father in the end?
Why do you think Jesus told this story?
What was Jesus teaching the people about obedience?

2. Connect Through Empathy (How did people feel?)

How do you think the father felt when the first son said, "No"?
How do you think the father felt when that son later changed his mind and helped?
How do you think the father felt when the second son promised to help but never came?
Have you ever said "yes" to doing something but then forgotten to do it?
How did you feel when you realized you didn't follow through?
Have you ever changed your mind and decided to do the right thing after all?
How do you think God feels when we choose to obey Him, even after making a mistake?


3. Real-Life Application (What should we do?)

Scenario 1
Your mom asks you to clean up your toys.
What could you say?
What is more important: saying "okay" or actually cleaning up?
Which son would you be acting like?

Scenario 2
Your teacher asks the class to put away supplies.
You say, "I'll help," but then start talking with your friends.
Did you obey?
What could you do differently?

Scenario 3
Your dad asks you to feed the family pet.
At first you don't want to do it.
Then you decide to help anyway.
Which son are you acting like?

Scenario 4
A friend drops their books on the floor.
You say, "Someone should help," but walk away.
Is that enough?
What action would show kindness?

Scenario 5
Your parent asks you to turn off your tablet and get ready for bed.
How can you obey with a good attitude?
Why is doing what you are asked important?

Scenario 6
You know a classmate is feeling lonely at recess.
You say kind things about being a good friend, but don't invite them to play.
How could your actions match your words?

Deeper Gospel Connection
Is God more interested in our words or in our actions that show obedience?
Can people make mistakes and still choose to do the right thing later?
How does God help us when we make wrong choices?
Why is it important to say sorry and change our actions?
How did Jesus show perfect obedience to His Father?

Closing Reflection Questions
What is one thing you learned from the two sons?
Which son made the better choice in the end? Why?
Have you ever changed your mind and done the right thing after saying no?
What is one way you can obey God this week?
How can your actions show that you love God?

Father in Heaven we thank you for the lesson today. Please bless each one of us in this room. Please give us the courage to not be a hypocrite and to follow our words with action. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.