Children's Liturgy Guide

2nd Sunday of Easter

Year A · Easter

Jesus Shows His Hands

Reading: John 20:19-31

Leader Prep

Don't worry about doing this perfectly. If the children hear one good idea about God, Jesus, prayer, kindness, forgiveness, or the Gospel, this time has been worthwhile.

Summary

After Jesus rose from the dead, he came to visit his friends even though the doors were locked. He showed them his hands and his side so they would know it was really him. Thomas was not there the first time, but Jesus came back so Thomas could see and believe too.

Key Points

  • Jesus came to his frightened disciples and gave them peace
  • Jesus showed his wounds to prove he was truly alive
  • Thomas doubted but believed when he saw Jesus
  • Jesus blesses those who believe without seeing

Background

This Gospel presents the risen Jesus appearing to his disciples on Easter evening and again eight days later for Thomas. The locked doors emphasize both the disciples' fear and the mysterious nature of Christ's risen body. Thomas's doubt is resolved through encounter with Christ, and Jesus pronounces a blessing on future believers who will not see yet will believe. Theologically, this passage addresses the reality of the resurrection, the continuity between the crucified and risen Christ (shown through his wounds), and the gift of the Holy Spirit for forgiveness of sins. For children, emphasize that Jesus came to his scared friends to give them peace, and that he was patient and kind with Thomas who needed to see for himself. Set aside the theology of the Holy Spirit's role in forgiveness and focus on Jesus showing his hands as a sign of his love and his real presence with us.

Session Flow

Opening Prayer

Invite the children to pray with you, then read the opening prayer below. If many don't know the sign of the cross, teach the whole group.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Dear Jesus, thank you for being alive and for always coming to be with us. Help us to believe in you and to feel your peace in our hearts. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Warm-up

Ask the warm-up question before the reading. There are no wrong answers; this is just to help the children connect today's reading to their own lives.

Have you ever been really scared, and then someone you love came to help you feel safe? What happened?

Example: One time I was scared of a thunderstorm at night, and my mom came into my room and hugged me and stayed with me until I felt better.

Bridge to the reading: It sounds like having someone we love come to us when we are scared helps us feel safe and peaceful. In today's reading, Jesus's friends were very scared, and Jesus came right to them and said something very special to help them feel peace.

Read the Scripture

Read the day's selected passage aloud. The full Scripture text is not included here. Use a Children's Lectionary if your parish has one available. A children's Bible may also be helpful for younger children. Otherwise, read from a standard lectionary, Bible, or USCCB.org. Read slowly, with short pauses.

Reading Questions

Ask the questions conversationally. You do not need to use every question if time is short. The example answers are for leader preparation, not scripts or required answers.

  1. Where were Jesus's friends hiding, and why were they scared?

    Example: They were hiding in a room with the doors locked because they were afraid of the people who had hurt Jesus.

  2. What did Jesus say to his friends when he came to them?

    Example: Jesus said 'Peace be with you' to his friends when he appeared to them in the room.

  3. What did Jesus show his friends so they would know it was really him?

    Example: Jesus showed them his hands and his side where he had been hurt on the cross so they could see it was really him.

  4. Why do you think Jesus came back a second time just for Thomas?

    Example: I think Jesus came back because he loved Thomas and wanted Thomas to see him and believe, and he did not want Thomas to be sad or confused anymore.

Application Questions

Use these questions to help the children connect the reading to their own lives this week. Simple, concrete answers are best.

  1. How do you think the disciples felt when they saw Jesus was alive and with them?

    Example: I think they felt really happy and not scared anymore because Jesus was there with them and he was okay.

  2. When you feel scared or worried, what can you do to remember that Jesus is with you?

    Example: I can say a little prayer and ask Jesus to help me feel peaceful, or I can remember that Jesus loves me even when I cannot see him.

  3. This week, who could you share peace with, like Jesus shared peace with his friends?

    Example: I could share peace with my little brother when he is upset by giving him a hug and being kind to him.

Recap

Today we heard how Jesus came to visit his scared friends after he rose from the dead. He said 'Peace be with you' and showed them his hands. Jesus even came back again so Thomas could see him too. Jesus wants us to know he is always with us and gives us his peace.

Prayer of the Faithful

Before returning to the assembly, invite the children to share their own prayer intentions. Their prayers may be serious, simple, funny, or very specific. After each child's prayer, the group may respond: "Lord, hear our prayer." Lastly, include the suggested prayer below.

For all children who feel scared or worried, that they may feel the peace of Jesus in their hearts, we pray to the Lord.

Mass Connection

If time allows, point out this connection just before returning to Mass. This helps children see that Children's Liturgy is still part of the Mass.

When the priest says 'Peace be with you' during Mass, these are the same words Jesus said to his frightened friends in today's reading.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Lord Jesus, thank you for showing us that you are alive and that you bring us peace. Help us to believe in you and to share your peace with everyone we meet. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ChildrensLiturgy.org

Jesus Shows His Hands

John 20:19-31

Word Search

Optional activity: use the word search after the discussion if you have time, or send it home with the children. The words relate to today's Children's Liturgy Scripture passage.

O B U Z H U O E P E P E A C E
H T H G B P R Q Y A J R S W R
V N D M E F V F Q S O O A V C
R E O P L I X B C T Y S L S M
I P S S I T E Y L E W A I Y H
S J U D E P K J L R Y T V G S
E G S N V A M Z W W A T E U K
N X E E E M V T H A N Y J L V
L S J I C T G H G A K A U I G
X M O R M U S O S L N P O K D
V F K F G E A M R T X D W S C
Y L C D H D L A O T O E S L S
Y C P W N U O S O J K G V P W
J Q E E L K V W D Y J U S R U
G E R M R Q E M A U J W T B S

Words to find

  • Jesus
  • Thomas
  • peace
  • believe
  • hands
  • doors
  • friends
  • alive
  • Easter
  • risen
  • joy
  • love

ChildrensLiturgy.org