Children's Liturgy Guide

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year A · Ordinary Time

Saying Yes and Doing It

Reading: Matthew 21:28-32

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 a story about two sons. Their father asks them to work in the vineyard. One son says no but then changes his mind and goes to help. The other son says yes but never goes. Jesus teaches us that what we actually do matters more than just what we say.

Key Points

  • Actions speak louder than words
  • It is never too late to change our minds and do the right thing
  • God is happy when we follow through on what is good
  • Saying yes to God means actually doing what He asks

Background

In this parable, Jesus addresses the chief priests and elders, contrasting those who initially rejected John the Baptist's call to repentance but later believed, with the religious leaders who outwardly agreed but never changed their hearts. The first son represents tax collectors and sinners who repented, while the second son represents the religious establishment who gave lip service but failed to act. The theological weight lies in the primacy of genuine conversion over empty words or religious show. For children, emphasize the simple lesson that doing what is right matters more than just saying we will do it, and that it is always good to change our minds and make the right choice. Set aside the complex questions about who the sons represent historically.

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 loving us and for giving us chances to do what is right. Help us today to listen to Your words and to follow through with good actions, not just good words. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 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 said you would do something, like clean up your toys or help your mom, but then you forgot to do it or did not want to anymore?

Example: One time I told my mom I would put away my shoes but then I started playing with my toys and I forgot all about it until she reminded me again.

Bridge to the reading: Sometimes we say yes but do not follow through, and sometimes we say no at first but then change our minds and do the right thing. In today's reading, Jesus tells a story about two sons whose father asks them to help in the vineyard, and we will see which son really did what his father wanted.

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 the father in the story ask both of his sons to do?

    Example: The father asked both of his sons to go and work in the vineyard where the grapes were growing.

  2. What did the first son say when his father asked him, and what did he do later?

    Example: The first son said no, he would not go work in the vineyard. But later he changed his mind and went to help his father after all.

  3. What did the second son say, and what did he actually do?

    Example: The second son said yes, he would go work for his father. But then he never went to the vineyard to help at all.

  4. Which son do you think really did what the father wanted, and why?

    Example: The first son really did what the father wanted because even though he said no at first, he changed his mind and actually went to do the work.

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 feel when someone promises to play with you but then they never do?

    Example: It makes me feel really sad and disappointed because I was waiting for them and excited, and then they did not come like they said.

  2. What could you do if you first say no to helping but then realize you should help?

    Example: I could change my mind and go help anyway because it is not too late to do the right thing, even if I said no before.

  3. This week, what is one thing you can make sure to actually do when you say you will do it?

    Example: When my dad asks me to put my dishes in the sink after dinner, I can make sure I really do it right away instead of forgetting.

Recap

Today we heard Jesus tell a story about two sons. One son said no to his father but changed his mind and helped. The other son said yes but never did the work. Jesus teaches us that what we do is more important than what we say. It is always good to change our minds and do the right thing.

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 trying to keep their promises and do the right thing, that God will give them strength and courage, we pray to the Lord.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Loving God, thank You for teaching us through the story of the two sons. Help us to not just say yes to You but to really do what is good and right. When we make mistakes, help us to change our minds and try again. 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

Saying Yes and Doing It

Matthew 21:28-32

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.

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

Words to find

  • Father
  • Son
  • Vineyard
  • Yes
  • No
  • Work
  • Help
  • Change
  • Promise
  • Jesus
  • Heart
  • Obey

ChildrensLiturgy.org