Children's Liturgy Guide

2nd Sunday of Easter

Year C · Easter

Jesus Shows Thomas His Hands

Reading: John 20:19-31

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

After Jesus rose from the dead, he came to visit his friends even though the doors were locked. Thomas was not there the first time, and he said he would not believe unless he could see and touch Jesus. A week later, Jesus came back and invited Thomas to see and believe.

Key Points

  • Jesus appeared to his disciples after rising from the dead and said 'Peace be with you'
  • Thomas doubted because he had not seen Jesus himself
  • Jesus returned specifically so Thomas could see and believe
  • Jesus said those who believe without seeing are blessed
  • The risen Jesus still had the marks from the cross on his hands and side

Background

This Gospel presents the post-Resurrection appearance of Jesus to the disciples, with particular focus on Thomas's doubt and subsequent profession of faith. The narrative shows Jesus's patience with doubt and his desire that all come to believe. Thomas's declaration 'My Lord and my God!' is one of the clearest affirmations of Christ's divinity in the Gospels. The greeting 'Peace be with you' occurs three times, emphasizing the peace Christ gives to his Church. For children, emphasize that Jesus was kind and patient with Thomas when he had trouble believing, and that Jesus comes to us even when we have questions or feel unsure. Set aside the theological complexity of Thomas's doubt as a crisis of faith or the deeper meaning of 'blessed are those who have not seen.'

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 always coming to us, even when we feel afraid or unsure. Help us to believe in you and to know that you are always with us. 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 there ever been a time when someone told you something exciting happened, but you were not there to see it? How did that feel?

Example: One time my brother said he saw a really big rainbow outside but I was inside and I missed it and I felt sad because I wanted to see it too.

Bridge to the reading: Sometimes it is hard to believe something wonderful happened when we did not see it ourselves. In today's reading, we will hear about a man named Thomas who felt the same way. His friends told him Jesus was alive, but Thomas had not seen Jesus yet.

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 were Jesus's friends when he came to visit them, and why were the doors locked?

    Example: They were in a room together and the doors were locked because they were scared and did not want anyone to come in and hurt them.

  2. What special words did Jesus say to his friends when he appeared to them?

    Example: Jesus said peace be with you to his friends and he wanted them to feel safe and not be scared anymore.

  3. Thomas was not there the first time Jesus came. What did Thomas say he needed to do before he would believe?

    Example: Thomas said he needed to see the marks on Jesus's hands and put his finger there and touch his side before he would believe it was really Jesus.

  4. When Jesus came back a week later, what did he invite Thomas to do, and how do you think Jesus felt toward Thomas?

    Example: Jesus invited Thomas to look at his hands and touch his side, and I think Jesus was being very kind and patient because he wanted to help Thomas believe.

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 Thomas felt when he finally saw Jesus standing right in front of him?

    Example: I think Thomas felt so surprised and so happy and maybe he felt a little sorry that he did not believe his friends when they told him.

  2. Sometimes we cannot see Jesus, but we still believe he loves us. What helps you remember that Jesus is with you?

    Example: When I say my prayers at night and when my mom and dad tell me Jesus loves me, that helps me remember he is always with me.

  3. This week, if a friend feels worried or scared, what could you say to them to help them feel peace like Jesus gave his friends?

    Example: I could tell them it is okay and that I am here with them and that Jesus loves them and they do not have to be scared.

Recap

Today we heard how Jesus came to visit his friends after he rose from the dead. Thomas was not there the first time, and he said he would not believe until he could see for himself. Jesus came back just for Thomas and showed him his hands. Jesus was patient and kind, and he helped Thomas believe. Jesus wants to help us believe too, even when we cannot see him.

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 feel unsure or have questions about Jesus, that they may know his patience and love, 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 says 'Peace be with you' during Mass, he is using the same words Jesus said to his friends in today's reading. This greeting reminds us that the risen Jesus is with us and gives us his peace.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank you, Jesus, for being so kind and patient with us. Help us to believe in you and to share your peace with everyone we meet this week. 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 Shows Thomas His Hands

John 20:19-31

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.

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

Words to find

  • Jesus
  • Thomas
  • peace
  • believe
  • hands
  • risen
  • locked
  • friends
  • Easter
  • Sunday
  • faith
  • joy

ChildrensLiturgy.org