Children's Liturgy Series: 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle B)

In today's Gospel lesson, Jesus teaches us what is necessary to gain eternal life. 

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 peace, love and understanding.  Help us to have the courage to follow your law, and detach ourselves from earthly possessions, so we can gain eternal life with you in Heaven.  We ask all these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother." He replied and said to him, "Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth." Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, "You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poorand you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." At that statement his face fell,and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!" The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves,"Then who can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God."

Say: In today’s Gospel, we’ll hear what Jesus calls us to do with those things God has given us. 

Say: A man asked Jesus what he must do to have life forever with God. Ask: What two things did Jesus tell the man to do? (to give up his possessions, to follow Jesus) Say: The man knew that this would be hard, but Jesus told us that with God, all things are possible.

Say: Jesus calls us to follow him. He does not expect us to give up everything we have, but he does want us to make a change. He wants us to use what we have to serve God’s kingdom, not to keep what we have to ourselves by not sharing.

Invite children to think about the possessions and talents they listed earlier. 

Ask: What are some ways we can use what we have to serve God’s kingdom? (Accept reasonable responses, which might include donating old clothes and toys; sharing our toys and games when we play with others; and using our talents, such as our sense of humor or musical gifts, to help others feel happy.)

Pray a prayer thanking God for our many gifts and asking him for his help in using them to serve his kingdom. Close by praying the Lord’s Prayer.