Children's Liturgy Guide

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year C · Ordinary Time

Listening to Jesus

Reading: Luke 10:38-42

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 visits the home of two sisters named Martha and Mary. While Martha is very busy getting everything ready, Mary sits close to Jesus and listens to him. Jesus tells Martha that listening to him is the most important thing.

Key Points

  • Jesus came to visit Martha and Mary at their home
  • Martha was busy doing many things to serve Jesus
  • Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to his words
  • Jesus said Mary chose the better thing because being close to him matters most
  • We can show love to Jesus both by serving and by spending quiet time with him

Background

This Gospel presents a gentle tension between active service (Martha) and contemplative receptivity (Mary). Jesus does not condemn Martha's hospitality, which is a genuine act of love, but he redirects her anxiety about many things to highlight that one thing is necessary: attentive presence to him. In the Jewish context, sitting at a teacher's feet signified discipleship, so Mary's posture was counter-cultural for a woman. For children, emphasize the simple, concrete image of Mary sitting close to Jesus and really listening to him, and the invitation for us to do the same. Set aside the cultural dynamics and any implication that service is unimportant. Focus on: when we are with Jesus, listening and being close to him is a wonderful gift.

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 wanting to be close to us. Help us to listen to you today with our whole hearts, just like Mary did. 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 tried to tell someone something important, but they were too busy to listen? What was that like?

Example: One time I wanted to tell my mom about my picture I made at school, but she was cooking dinner and talking on the phone and she said wait a minute.

Bridge to the reading: It can feel sad when someone is too busy to listen to us. In today's reading, Jesus visits two sisters, and one of them stops everything she is doing just to sit close to him and listen.

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. Who did Jesus visit in today's story?

    Example: Jesus visited two sisters. Their names were Martha and Mary, and they lived in a house together.

  2. What was Martha doing while Jesus was there?

    Example: Martha was very busy doing lots of things to get ready. She was working hard to serve Jesus and take care of everything.

  3. What did Mary choose to do instead of helping Martha?

    Example: Mary sat down right next to Jesus at his feet. She wanted to listen to everything he was saying to her.

  4. Why do you think Jesus said Mary chose the better thing?

    Example: I think Jesus was happy that Mary wanted to be close to him and really listen. He wants us to spend time with him too.

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 Mary felt sitting so close to Jesus and listening to him?

    Example: I think Mary felt really happy and peaceful. She probably felt special because Jesus was talking right to her and she could hear everything.

  2. What can we do to be like Mary and really listen to Jesus?

    Example: We can be quiet and pray and not be distracted by toys or other things. We can close our eyes and talk to Jesus in our heart.

  3. This week, when is one time you could be quiet and spend time with Jesus?

    Example: I could be quiet and talk to Jesus before I go to sleep at night. I could tell him about my day and listen in my heart.

Recap

Today we heard about Jesus visiting Martha and Mary. Martha was very busy, but Mary sat close to Jesus and listened to every word he said. Jesus told us that being close to him and listening is the most important thing we can do. We can be like Mary by taking quiet time to be with Jesus.

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 in our parish, that they may find quiet moments to listen to Jesus this week, 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 Mass, there is a special time called the Liturgy of the Word when we sit and listen to readings from the Bible, just like Mary sat and listened to Jesus. We are doing what Mary did, sitting close to Jesus and hearing his words.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank you, Jesus, for teaching us today. Help us to be like Mary and choose to sit close to you and listen with 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

Listening to Jesus

Luke 10:38-42

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

Words to find

  • Jesus
  • Martha
  • Mary
  • listen
  • quiet
  • visit
  • home
  • sister
  • heart
  • love
  • close
  • friend

ChildrensLiturgy.org