Children's Liturgy Guide

Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Year A · Ordinary Time

Jesus Is the Bread of Life

Reading: John 6:51-58

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 He is the living bread that came down from heaven. When we receive Him, He stays close to us and gives us life that lasts forever. Jesus loves us so much that He gives us Himself.

Key Points

  • Jesus calls Himself the living bread from heaven
  • Jesus gives us His Body and Blood because He loves us
  • Receiving Jesus in Holy Communion keeps us close to Him
  • This special bread gives us life that lasts forever with God

Background

In this passage, Jesus makes the bold claim that He is the living bread come down from heaven, and that whoever eats His flesh and drinks His blood will have eternal life. This is eucharistic language that points directly to the institution of the Eucharist. The Greek word used for 'eat' (trogein) means to chew or gnaw, emphasizing the reality of consuming Jesus' Body. The Jews struggled with this teaching because it seemed impossible, yet Jesus did not soften His words. For children, emphasize that Jesus loves us so much He wants to be as close to us as the food we eat, and that when we receive Holy Communion, we are receiving Jesus Himself who stays with us and helps us. Set aside detailed discussion of transubstantiation or the sacrificial theology of the Eucharist for now.

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 that You give us Yourself. Help us to understand how special it is that You want to be close to us always. 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.

When you eat breakfast or lunch, how does the food help your body feel strong and ready for the day?

Example: When I eat my cereal and toast in the morning, my tummy feels full and I have lots of energy to run around and play with my friends at school.

Bridge to the reading: Food gives our bodies energy and helps us grow strong. In today's reading, Jesus tells us about a very special kind of bread, bread that comes from heaven and gives our hearts and souls something even more amazing than energy for our bodies.

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 does Jesus call Himself in this reading?

    Example: Jesus calls Himself the living bread that came down from heaven, which means He is like special bread from God.

  2. What does Jesus say will happen to people who eat this bread?

    Example: Jesus says that if someone eats this bread, they will live forever and ever and be with Him always.

  3. Why do you think the people listening to Jesus were surprised or confused by what He said?

    Example: I think they were confused because bread is something you buy at the store, and they did not understand how Jesus could be bread.

  4. What do you think Jesus wants us to know about how much He loves us?

    Example: I think Jesus wants us to know He loves us so much that He wants to give us everything, even Himself, so we can be close to Him.

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 to know that Jesus wants to be as close to you as the food you eat?

    Example: It makes me feel really happy and special inside because Jesus must love me a whole lot if He wants to be that close to me.

  2. When you see the priest hold up the bread at Mass, what could you say to Jesus in your heart?

    Example: I could say thank You Jesus for loving me, and I believe that is really You, and I want to be close to You too.

  3. This week, how can you get ready in your heart to receive Jesus or to think about Him at Mass?

    Example: I can be quiet and think about Jesus before Mass starts, and I can say a little prayer telling Him I am happy to see Him.

Recap

Today we heard Jesus tell us that He is the living bread from heaven. He loves us so much that He gives us Himself in Holy Communion so He can stay close to us and give us life forever. What an amazing gift!

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 the children preparing to receive Jesus in Holy Communion for the first time, that they may know how much Jesus loves 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 the priest holds up the host and says 'The Body of Christ' and we respond 'Amen,' we are saying 'Yes, I believe this is Jesus, the living bread from heaven,' just as Jesus told us in today's reading.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank You, Jesus, for being the bread of life and for wanting to stay close to us always. Help us to remember Your love every time we come to Mass. 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 Is the Bread of Life

John 6:51-58

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

Words to find

  • Jesus
  • bread
  • heaven
  • life
  • Communion
  • love
  • Body
  • Blood
  • forever
  • gift
  • believe
  • receive

ChildrensLiturgy.org