Children's Liturgy Series: 6th Sunday of Easter (A)

In today's Gospel we learn about how Jesus sends an advocate, the Holy Spirit, to be with the apostles when He returns to the Father. Just as Jesus sent the apostles the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, we too receive the Holy Spirit at Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation.

Father in Heaven, we praise and glorify you. We thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit at our Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation. We ask you to please ignite this spirit in our hearts, so we can have the courage to go forth and be a witness of your love, through acts of kindness towards others. Help us to bring others into a relationship with you. In Jesus's name we pray. Amen.

First, Jesus told His friends something very important. He said:

"If you love me, keep my commandments."

That sounds like a big word, but "commandments" just means the rules Jesus gave us—like being kind, sharing your toys, and loving God. It’s like when you listen to your teacher or your parents; you do it because you love them!

Jesus saw that His friends were a little nervous, so He made them a beautiful promise. He said He would ask God the Father to send them a Helper.

Some Bibles call this helper an Advocate. An advocate is like a super-special best friend who stands right next to you to help you make good choices and reminds you how much you are loved. This Helper is the Holy Spirit.

Jesus promised: "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you." An orphan is someone who doesn't have a family to take care of them. Jesus was telling us that even though we can’t see Him with our eyes right now, we are never alone. The Holy Spirit lives inside our hearts! It’s like a little light that stays on all the time so we never have to be afraid of the dark.

1. Recall (What happened in the story?)

-What was the special name Jesus used for the Holy Spirit? (Hint: It starts with an A and means "Helper"!)
-What did Jesus say we should do if we really love Him?
-Where does Jesus say the Holy Spirit lives? Is He far away or close by?

2. Empathize (How did it feel?)

-How do you think the disciples felt when Jesus told them He was going away? Have you ever had a best friend or a teacher move away?
-Jesus promised not to leave us like "orphans." How does it make you feel to know that God’s Spirit is always in your heart, even when you feel lonely or scared?

3. Apply to Real Life (How do we live it?)

-When is a time this week you might need the "Helper" to help you? Maybe when you’re tempted to be bossy, or when you’re nervous about a test?
-Jesus said we show our love by keeping His commandments (like being kind). What is one "act of love" you can do for someone in your family today to show Jesus you love Him?
-The Holy Spirit is like a little light inside us. How can you "turn on your light" and be a helper to someone else who looks sad today?

Father in Heaven, we thank you for this lesson on the Holy Spirit. We ask you to please help us to follow your commandments and show you our love, so we can recognize your voice through the Holy Spirit within us. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.