Children's Liturgy Series: 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C)

In today's Gospel, Jesus teaches his disciples about being merciful. We are reminded of the golden rule which is to treat others as you would like to be treated.

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 wisdom.  Help us to understand the message you have for us today.  We ask all this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Jesus said to his disciples:“To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. If you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, and get back the same amount. But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.“Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give, and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”

What does Jesus tell us to do to our enemies?
Answer: Jesus tells us to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us.

What should we do if someone is mean to us?
Answer: We should be kind to them and pray for them.

If someone takes something from us, what does Jesus say we should do?
Answer: Jesus says we should not ask for it back and even give them more if they need it.

How should we treat others according to Jesus?
Answer: We should treat others the way we want to be treated.

Why is it important to love our enemies and do good to them?
Answer: It shows that we are children of God and that we are following Jesus' teachings.

What does Jesus say about judging others?
Answer: Jesus says we should not judge others, so we won't be judged.

What happens when we forgive others?
Answer: When we forgive others, God will forgive us too.

Classroom scenarios:
How would you respond in each of these scenarios?

Scenario: A classmate takes your favorite pencil without asking.
Response: Instead of getting upset, you can kindly ask for it back. If they need it, you can let them borrow it and even offer to share other supplies.

Scenario: Someone says something mean to you during recess.
Response: Instead of saying something mean back, you can choose to be kind and walk away. Later, you can pray for that person and ask God to help them be kind too.

Scenario: A friend doesn't invite you to their birthday party.
Response: Even though it might hurt your feelings, you can still be friendly and kind to them. You can also pray for them and ask God to help you forgive them.

Scenario: A classmate accidentally bumps into you and makes you drop your lunch.
Response: Instead of getting angry, you can forgive them and say, "It's okay, it was an accident." You can also help clean up the mess together.

Scenario: Someone in your class is always alone and doesn't have many friends.
Response: You can show kindness by inviting them to play with you and your friends. You can also share your toys with them.

Scenario: A sibling takes your toy without asking.
Response: Instead of arguing, you can calmly ask for it back and explain why it's important to ask first. You can also offer to share the toy and play together.

Scenario: A classmate is struggling with their homework and asks for help.
Response: You can show kindness by helping them understand the homework. You can also encourage them and be patient as they learn.

Dear Jesus, 

Thank you for teaching us how to love others. We know that by loving others we are loving you. Give us the courage to treat others with kindness even when they are mean to us.  Help them to learn how to be kind as well. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.