Children’s Liturgy – 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Begin with a few moments of quiet.

Invite all present to sit comfortably.
When sitting comfortably, take three deep breaths, as you breathe in feel your lungs filling all the way up, when they are full slowly release your breath and feel your lungs emptying out fully. Repeat this three times.
Now return to breathing normally.

Listen to some of this calming music to help come into a space of prayer

Opening ourselves to the Presence of God in our lives

Have a conversation, allowing each person present a few moments to think about and to reply to the following.
Thinking back over the week, let us share with one another
What is it that I want to say thank you for?
What is it that want to say I am sorry for?

Now begin with the following prayer:

Dear God,
Thank you that we can celebrate Jesus
Thank you for all He did for us
And all that He continues to do
Help us to trust in you
Even when we don’t understand what’s happening
We know you work things for good
Thank you for your love
We love you, God!
In Jesus name, Amen!

Introduce the Gospel

Today is the Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today Jesus tells us a story to explain that we should not try to take the easy way out, but that we should try to follow his way.

Read the Gospel Matthew 16:21-28

Jesus began to tell his disciples that he would be brought before the high priests and be put to death before rising to life again.

‘Lord, this cannot be allowed to happen!’ exclaimed Peter, who was deeply upset by what Jesus had told them.

But Jesus said, ‘Peter, your way is not God’s way. If you follow me, sometimes things will be difficult, but you must accept them and try not to take the easy way out.’

Have a Conversation about the Gospel

The writer of this Gospel is called Matthew. He was one of the twelve apostles who helped Jesus to tell everyone the Good News. He was a tax collector before he started to help Jesus.

Why was Peter so upset by what Jesus was saying?
He didn’t want to see Jesus suffer and die.

What do you think Jesus meant when he said that Peter thought like everyone else and not like God?
Peter wanted to take the easy way out because he didn’t properly understand God’s plan.

Do you think Jesus was scared? What did he do? What did he mean when he said that his followers should forget about themselves? How can we live as Jesus wants us to?
Doings things that are not always easy to do – being kind to others, forgiving others even when they have hurt us, making difficult choices when necessary.

What happens when it gets really difficult to do this? Should we give up easily?

Think about the sort of things you run away from or quit from. What can you do to help you face up to these things?

Do you think it is easy to be a follower of Jesus? Was it easy for Peter? Is it easy for you or your family?

End with a prayer

Lord, we pray for people who are suffering difficulties: the homeless and the unemployed; the sick and the lonely; the hungry and the poor. Share your courage and strength with them and surround them with your love.. Amen

A Video that invites you into ‘wondering’ about the Gospel.