In today's Gospel, we learn about how Jesus predicted the destruction of the temple of Jerusalem.
Come Holy Spirit, fill our hearts and our minds. Fill us with your peace, love, and understanding. Help us to hear God's message today and recognize His voice in our daily activities. Amen
While some people were speaking abouthow the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, "All that you see here--the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down." Then they asked him, "Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen? "He answered," See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and 'The time has come.' Do not follow them! When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end. "Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky. "Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you,they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends,and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives."
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGL1se1rK1s (accredited to Catholic Kids Media)
Invite volunteers to share difficult days they’ve experienced. Show children the picture with the black poster board over it and ask them what they see.
Say: Sometimes when we have difficult days, feelings like sadness and fear can narrow our focus so that all we see or feel is the hard things. It might be hard to trust that God is with us, caring for us, on these hard days.
Remove the black poster board to reveal the entire picture.
Say: Jesus reminds us of the bigger picture—that God is always watching over us, in good times and in hard times. We can trust that God cares for us always.
Say: In today’s Gospel, Jesus describes some terrible events and God’s care for his people.
Say: Jesus tells us that God is with us, no matter what happens.
Invite children to think of someone they know who is having a hard time. Say: Let’s pray for these people and for all those who are struggling.
Conclude by praying that all those who are suffer, including your loved ones, will be comforted by God’s care and presence.
Father in heaven, for the sake of bringing others closer to you, we give you today, all that we think and do and say, and we join it with all that was done by Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen
