Children's Liturgy Guide

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year B · Ordinary Time

The Widow's Special Gift

Reading: Mark 12:38-44

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 watched people putting money into the temple treasury. A poor widow put in only two tiny coins, but Jesus said she gave more than everyone else because she gave everything she had.

Key Points

  • Jesus notices how we give, not just what we give
  • The widow gave from her heart, trusting God completely
  • Giving a little with great love means more than giving a lot without love
  • God sees our hearts and knows when we are being generous

Background

In this Gospel, Jesus contrasts the showy religiosity of some scribes with the humble, total self-giving of a poor widow. The Greek word for her coins, lepta, refers to the smallest currency available. Jesus is not primarily teaching about money but about the disposition of the heart: the widow's gift represents complete trust in God and total self-surrender, while the wealthy gave from their surplus without personal cost. Theologically, this anticipates Jesus' own total self-gift on the cross. For children, emphasize that Jesus sees and loves it when we give our best, even if it seems small to others. Set aside the critique of the scribes and the deeper Christological parallels.

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 seeing us and loving us. Help us to give our best to you and to others, even when it feels small. We love you. 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 given something to someone even though it was hard to share because you really liked it or needed it?

Example: One time I gave my last cookie to my little brother even though I really wanted to eat it myself because he looked sad.

Bridge to the reading: It can be hard to give away something we really want to keep. In today's reading, we will hear about a woman who gave away the only money she had, and Jesus thought her gift was the most special of all.

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 sitting and what was he watching?

    Example: Jesus was sitting near the temple treasury and he was watching people put their money in.

  2. What did the rich people put into the treasury?

    Example: The rich people put in lots of money because they had so much extra that they could share.

  3. What did the poor widow put in, and how much money did she have left?

    Example: The poor widow put in two tiny coins and she had nothing left at all after that.

  4. Why do you think Jesus said the widow gave more than all the others?

    Example: I think Jesus said that because she gave everything she had and the rich people only gave some extra money.

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 widow felt when she put her last two coins in the box?

    Example: I think she felt a little scared but also happy because she trusted God would take care of her.

  2. What is something you could share with a friend at school, even if it is small?

    Example: I could share my crayons or let someone play with my favorite toy during recess even if I want it.

  3. This week, how could you give your best to someone in your family?

    Example: I could help my mom or dad with chores without being asked and really try my hardest to do a good job.

Recap

Today we heard about a poor widow who gave two tiny coins to the temple. Jesus said she gave more than everyone else because she gave all she had with love. Jesus sees our hearts and loves it when we give our best, even if it seems small.

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 people who do not have much money but still share with others, that God will bless them and care for 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.

During the Offertory at Mass, we bring up gifts of bread and wine, and a collection is taken. Just like the widow brought her small gift to the temple with great love, we bring our gifts to the altar. Even a child putting a coin in the basket is giving a gift to God.

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 giving with love matters most. Help us this week to share our best with others, trusting that you see our hearts. 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

The Widow's Special Gift

Mark 12:38-44

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.

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

Words to find

  • widow
  • coins
  • temple
  • Jesus
  • give
  • heart
  • love
  • trust
  • treasury
  • gift
  • watch

ChildrensLiturgy.org