Children's Liturgy Guide

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year A · Ordinary Time

Seeds That Grow

Reading: Matthew 13:1-23

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 told a story about a farmer who planted seeds. Some seeds fell on hard ground or rocky places and did not grow, but the seeds that fell on good soil grew big and strong. Jesus wants his words to grow in our hearts like seeds in good soil.

Key Points

  • Jesus used a story about seeds to teach people how to listen to God's word
  • Different kinds of ground represent different ways people receive God's message
  • Good soil means a heart that is ready to listen and let God's word grow
  • When we really listen to Jesus, his love grows inside us and helps us do good things

Background

This parable of the sower is one of Jesus's most important teaching parables, explaining why his message takes root in some hearts but not others. The four types of soil represent different responses to the Gospel: the path (hardened, unreceptive hearts), rocky ground (shallow enthusiasm without roots), thorny ground (worldly distractions choking faith), and good soil (receptive hearts bearing fruit). For children, emphasize the simple image of seeds needing good soil to grow, and connect this to having a heart ready to listen to Jesus. Set aside the more complex allegorical meanings of each soil type, which can overwhelm young children. Focus on the positive message: when we listen carefully to Jesus, his love grows in 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 God, thank you for giving us ears to hear and hearts to love. Help us listen carefully to Jesus today so that his words can grow in our hearts like beautiful seeds. 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 planted a seed or watched something grow? What did it need to grow big and strong?

Example: I planted a sunflower seed at school and it needed water and sunshine and good dirt to grow really tall.

Bridge to the reading: Seeds need good soil to grow strong roots and become healthy plants. In today's reading, Jesus tells a story about a farmer planting seeds, and he teaches us that our hearts are like soil where God's words can grow.

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 was Jesus when he told this story about the farmer and the seeds?

    Example: Jesus was sitting in a boat on the water because there were so many people listening to him.

  2. What happened to the seeds that fell on the path and on the rocky ground?

    Example: The birds came and ate the seeds on the path, and the seeds on rocks dried up in the sun.

  3. What happened to the seeds that fell in the good soil?

    Example: The seeds in the good soil grew really big and made lots and lots more seeds, some even a hundred times more.

  4. Why do you think Jesus told people a story about seeds instead of just telling them what to do?

    Example: Maybe because everyone knows about seeds and gardens, so the story would help them understand and remember better.

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 really listens to you and pays attention to what you say?

    Example: It feels really good and happy because I know they care about me and what I am saying matters.

  2. What can make it hard to listen carefully, like at home or school?

    Example: Sometimes I get distracted by my toys or the TV or when my brother is being loud and silly.

  3. This week, how can you make your heart like good soil when you hear about Jesus?

    Example: I can sit still and really listen at church and think about what the story means for me.

Recap

Today we heard Jesus tell a story about a farmer who planted seeds. Some seeds could not grow because they fell on hard paths or rocky places. But the seeds that fell on good soil grew big and strong. Jesus wants us to have hearts like good soil, ready to listen to his words so his love can grow inside us.

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 everywhere who are learning about Jesus for the first time, that God's love will grow strong in their hearts, we pray to the Lord.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank you, Jesus, for teaching us with your wonderful stories. Help us to have hearts like good soil so your love can grow in us every day. May we share that love 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

Seeds That Grow

Matthew 13:1-23

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.

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

Words to find

  • seeds
  • farmer
  • soil
  • grow
  • heart
  • listen
  • Jesus
  • plant
  • roots
  • birds
  • sunshine

ChildrensLiturgy.org