Children's Liturgy Series: The Third Sunday of Easter (Cycle B)

In today's Gospel we learn about how Jesus makes an appearance to the disciples and shares a meal of fish with them.

Holy Spirit, fill my heart and illuminate my mind. Help me to hear and understand God's message today. Help me to recognise when God is trying to speak to me in my daily life. Amen

The two disciples recounted what had taken place on the way, and how Jesus was made known to them in the breaking of bread.

While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them,“Peace be with you.”But they were startled and terrifiedand thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bonesas you can see I have.” And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them.

He said to them,“These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.”Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said to them,“ Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”

Say: Just as we can accept greater responsibility for everyday tasks as we grow up, the Church recognizes that we can accept greater responsibility as witnesses to Jesus as we mature. But what kinds of tasks are we called upon to do as disciples of Jesus?

Ask: What does this meal that Jesus shared with his disciples remind you of? (the Eucharist; the Mass) After sharing this meal, what mission did Jesus give to his disciples? (to be witnesses to Jesus, especially by preaching forgiveness of sins in his name) Say: We also share a meal with Jesus that gives us a mission when we celebrate the Mass.

Ask: What are the final words of the Mass? (Go in peace to love and serve the Lord; Thanks be to God.) This dismissal reminds us that the Eucharist sends us to be witnesses to Jesus today, especially by helping others know that Jesus forgives sins. What are some ways in which we might help others know that Jesus forgives sins? (Accept all reasonable answers.)

Conclude in prayer together that our frequent celebration of the Eucharist will help us choose to teach others about the forgiveness of sins we receive from Jesus. Pray together a Prayer for Vocations.

Father in heaven, for the conversion of sinners, 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