Children's Liturgy Guide

10th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year C · Ordinary Time

Jesus Helps a Sad Mother

Reading: Luke 7:11-17

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 meets a mother who is very, very sad because her only son has died. Jesus feels sorry for her and brings her son back to life, showing everyone how much God cares for people who are hurting.

Key Points

  • Jesus saw the mother crying and felt deep compassion for her
  • Jesus has the power to bring people back to life
  • When Jesus helped the mother, everyone praised God
  • God cares especially for people who are sad and alone

Background

This passage shows Jesus raising the son of a widow in Nain, one of three resurrection miracles in the Gospels. The widow's situation was especially dire in ancient Israel, as without a husband or son she would have no one to provide for her. Jesus acts without being asked, moved purely by compassion. The crowd's response, calling Jesus a great prophet, echoes Elijah's raising of the widow's son in the First Reading. Theologically, this miracle points toward Jesus' own resurrection and his power over death itself. For children, emphasize Jesus' compassion for the sad mother and his care for people who are hurting. Set aside deeper discussions about death, resurrection theology, or the widow's social vulnerability.

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 caring about people who are sad. Help us to listen carefully today and learn how much you love everyone, especially those who need your help. 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.

Can you tell me about a time when you saw someone who was really sad, like maybe they were crying?

Example: One time my friend at school was crying because she fell down on the playground and hurt her knee really bad.

Bridge to the reading: It can be hard to see someone we care about feeling so sad. In today's reading, we will hear about Jesus meeting a mother who was crying because something very sad had happened, and we will see what Jesus did to help her.

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 walking when he met the sad mother?

    Example: Jesus was walking to a town, and there were lots of people with him going through the gate.

  2. Why was the mother so sad and crying?

    Example: The mother was crying because her son had died and they were carrying him to be buried.

  3. What did Jesus do when he saw the mother crying?

    Example: Jesus felt really sorry for her and told her not to cry, and then he touched where her son was lying.

  4. What happened after Jesus spoke to the young man?

    Example: The young man sat up and started talking, and Jesus gave him back to his mother which was amazing.

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 mother felt when Jesus brought her son back to her?

    Example: I think she felt so happy and maybe she was crying again but this time because she was so glad.

  2. What can you do when you see someone at school or at home who looks really sad?

    Example: I could go over and ask them what is wrong and maybe sit with them or get a grownup to help.

  3. This week, who is someone you could be extra kind to if they seem sad or lonely?

    Example: Maybe I could be extra kind to my little brother if he gets upset or my grandma if she seems sad.

Recap

Today we heard how Jesus met a mother who was very sad because her only son had died. Jesus felt so sorry for her that he brought her son back to life and gave him back to his mother. This shows us that Jesus cares deeply for people who are hurting, and he has the power to help them.

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 and families who are feeling sad or going through a hard time right now, that Jesus will comfort them and show them his 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.

Just before Communion, the priest says 'Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.' This echoes Jesus speaking a word and bringing healing and life to the widow's son.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Loving Jesus, thank you for showing us how much you care for people who are sad. Help us to notice when others are hurting and to be kind to them 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 Helps a Sad Mother

Luke 7:11-17

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.

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

Words to find

  • Jesus
  • mother
  • son
  • Nain
  • compassion
  • life
  • crying
  • prophet
  • God
  • town
  • crowd
  • healing

ChildrensLiturgy.org