Children's Liturgy Series: The 3nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle A)

In today's Gospel, we learn about the beginning of Jesus' ministry and call for disciples. We see how the first disciples, Peter, Andrew, James and John, are immediately compelled to leave everything and follow Jesus. We reflect on what would it take for us to do the same?

When Jesus heard that His cousin John the Baptist had been put in prison, He moved to a place called Capernaum, near the big, blue Sea of Galilee. Jesus began teaching the people there, telling them:

“Turn back to God. His kingdom is very close!”

Everywhere He went, Jesus brought hope.

One day, while Jesus was walking along the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers: Peter and Andrew. They were fishermen, throwing their nets into the water. Fishing was their job!

Jesus called out to them:
“Come, follow Me, and I will teach you to fish for people!”

Peter and Andrew looked at Jesus. Something in their hearts told them He was special. So right away, they dropped their nets and followed Him.

A little further down the shore, Jesus saw two more brothers: James and John. They were in a boat with their father, fixing their nets.

Jesus called them too.

And just like Peter and Andrew, they left their boat and followed Jesus immediately. They trusted Him.

Now Jesus had His first group of followers—His disciples, His helpers!

Jesus traveled all around Galilee with His new friends. He taught in the synagogues (their places of worship). He shared the Good News about God’s kingdom. He healed sick people. Crowds began to follow Him everywhere because they saw His kindness and His power.

Jesus showed everyone what God’s love looks like.

RECALL
Q1: Who did Jesus see first when He was walking by the Sea of Galilee?
Sample answer:“He saw the brothers Peter and Andrew.”

Q2: What job did the four men have before Jesus called them?
Sample answer:“They were fishermen.”

Q3: What did Jesus tell them He would teach them to do?
Sample answer:“To fish for people—meaning to help others come to God.”

CONNECT
Q1: How do you think the fishermen felt when Jesus asked them to follow Him?
Sample answer:“Maybe surprised, excited, or curious.”

Q2: How would you feel if someone special asked you to be on their team?
Sample answer:“I would feel happy and proud.”

Q3: Jesus healed sick people and helped many others. How does it feel knowing Jesus cares for everyone?
Sample answer:“It makes me feel safe and loved.”

APPLY TO LIFE
Q1: The disciples left their nets right away to follow Jesus. What is one small way you can follow Jesus this week?

Sample answer:“By being kind, helping someone, or praying.”

Q2: Jesus called ordinary people to help Him. What does that tell us about who Jesus chooses?
Sample answer:“That He chooses everyone—even me!”

Q3: Jesus shared God’s love wherever He went. Where can you share God’s love today?
Sample answer:“At school, at home, on the playground.”

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