Children's Liturgy Series: Palm Sunday (Cycle C)

In today's Gospel we learn about how Jesus died for us and paid the punishment for all the bad things we have done in our lives. By doing this, he makes it possible for us enter into God's kingdom in Heaven.

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

They took Jesus to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” They divided his garments by casting lots. The people stood by and watched; the rulers, meanwhile, sneered at him and said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God.” Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.” Above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.” Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”; and when he had said this he breathed his last.

Say: This week we celebrate Holy Week. This is the holiest week in the Church year because during this week we remember Jesus' death on the cross for our salvation. 

Ask: What did the first man say to Jesus? (He taunted Jesus along with the crowd.) What did the second man do? (He defended Jesus against the first thief, and then he asked Jesus to remember him.) What did Jesus say in response? (“Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”)

Say: Jesus' words were addressed to the second criminal. But these words are also spoken to us. If we have faith in Jesus and follow his way of love, we will also be with him in paradise. Jesus died for our sins and prepared the way for us to share eternal life with God in heaven.

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