Children's Liturgy Guide

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year A · Ordinary Time

A Cup of Cold Water

Reading: Matthew 10:37-42

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

Jesus tells us that when we do kind things for others, even something as small as giving someone a cup of cold water, we are doing it for Him. Every little act of love matters to Jesus.

Key Points

  • Jesus values small acts of kindness done with love
  • When we welcome or help others, we welcome Jesus
  • Following Jesus means putting Him first in our hearts
  • Even children can serve Jesus through simple, everyday kindness

Background

This Gospel passage comes from Jesus sending out His disciples on mission. The challenging verses about loving Jesus more than family use Semitic hyperbole to emphasize total commitment, not literal rejection of family. The 'cup of cold water' given to 'little ones' refers to disciples, but the broader principle applies: small acts of hospitality and kindness done in Jesus' name have eternal significance. The phrase 'take up your cross' would have evoked the Roman execution method, signaling costly discipleship. For children, emphasize the concrete image of the cup of cold water and the message that small kindnesses matter to Jesus. Set aside the complex family-priority language and cross-bearing imagery, which require adult nuance to understand properly.

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 loving us so much. Help us to listen to Your words today and learn how we can show love to others, even in small ways. 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.

Has anyone ever given you a drink of water when you were really, really thirsty? How did that feel?

Example: One time I was playing outside and I was so thirsty, and my mom brought me cold water and it felt so good and made me happy.

Bridge to the reading: That cup of water was such a small thing, but it meant so much to you when you needed it. In today's reading, Jesus talks about giving someone a cup of cold water and tells us why that small kindness is so important to Him.

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. What did Jesus say we could give to someone who is thirsty?

    Example: Jesus said we could give them a cup of cold water, just a simple drink to help them.

  2. Jesus said that when we help one of His little ones, we will not lose our what?

    Example: Jesus said we will not lose our reward. That means Jesus sees our kindness and remembers it.

  3. What did you notice about the things Jesus talked about? Were they big things or small things?

    Example: They were small things, like giving water or welcoming someone. They were not huge or hard things to do.

  4. Why do you think Jesus cares about small acts of kindness like giving someone water?

    Example: I think Jesus cares because He loves everyone, and when we help people, it makes Him happy and shows we love Him too.

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 does it feel when someone does something small but kind for you, like sharing a snack or saving you a seat?

    Example: It makes me feel really happy inside and like that person cares about me and wants to be my friend.

  2. What is a small, kind thing you could do to help someone in your family this week?

    Example: I could bring my little brother his cup of juice or help my mom carry something without her asking me to.

  3. At school or with your friends, who might need a small kindness from you, and what could you do?

    Example: Maybe someone who looks sad at recess. I could go sit with them or ask if they want to play with me.

Recap

Today we heard Jesus tell us that even small acts of kindness, like giving someone a cup of cold water, matter very much to Him. When we help others with love, Jesus sees it and is happy. We can serve Jesus every day through simple, little acts of love.

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 children who are lonely or thirsty or need a friend, that we may share God's love with them, 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 we bring up the gifts of bread and wine during the Offertory, we offer small, simple things to God, just like the small cup of water Jesus mentions. These simple gifts become something very special.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank You, Jesus, for teaching us that small acts of love matter to You. Help us this week to look for ways to be kind, even in little ways. 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

A Cup of Cold Water

Matthew 10:37-42

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.

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

Words to find

  • Jesus
  • water
  • kindness
  • welcome
  • love
  • reward
  • cup
  • help
  • disciple
  • little
  • friend
  • share

ChildrensLiturgy.org