Children's Liturgy Series: 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

In today's Gospel we learn about Jesus' compassion for the sick and how he healed Peter's mother-in-law. 

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 wisdom to understand the message you have for us today.  Help us to have the compassion and charity to care for those of our friends and family who are sick or at least let them know we are thinking of them. We ask all this in Jesus' name. Amen

On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them.

When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.

Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

Say: Let’s all think of a time when we didn’t feel well. Maybe we were sick or having a bad day. Ask: What were some things that our family or friends said or did that helped us feel better? (Accept all reasonable responses.)

Say: How blessed we are to have family and friends who show compassion for us when we are not feeling well! Jesus showed compassion to all those who were suffering.

Ask: How did Jesus show compassion toward Simon’s mother-in-law and other people who were sick? (He cured them.) 

Say: Jesus showed compassion by healing the sick. He taught them about God’s healing love.

Say: Let’s all think of one person in our lives who is unwell or having a hard time. We will share Jesus’ healing compassion with the person by making them a card for him or her. Show children how to fold the sheet of paper or cardstock in half to make a card. Invite children to draw pictures on the outside of the card. Help children write a short, loving message inside.

Invite children to spend a moment praying for the person who is sick or suffering. Then pray that Jesus will help you be a healing presence by showing love and compassion to all those who are sick and suffering. Close by praying the Sign of the Cross.

Father in Heaven we thank you for the compassion you continually show to all of us especially those who are sick. Please bless each one of us in this room. Help us to have the heart to show kindness and compassion to those in our community who are sick and have been pushed aside and forgotten. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.