Children's Liturgy Guide

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year C · Ordinary Time

The Sun of Healing

Reading: Malachi 3:19-20a

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

In this reading, the prophet Malachi tells us that God promises a special day is coming. For those who love God, a beautiful sun will rise and bring healing and happiness, like sunshine warming us on a cold morning.

Key Points

  • God sees and remembers everyone who loves Him and tries to do what is right.
  • God promises something wonderful for those who follow Him, described as a sun bringing healing.
  • We can trust that God takes care of people who love Him.
  • Even when things seem hard, God has good plans for us.

Background

This passage from Malachi is eschatological prophecy, contrasting the fate of the wicked with the blessing awaiting the righteous. The image of the 'sun of justice with its healing rays' is the central metaphor, promising vindication and restoration to those who fear the Lord's name. The 'day' coming like a blazing oven for evildoers is apocalyptic imagery that can frighten children. For children, emphasize the beautiful promise of the healing sun rising for those who love God, and set aside the fiery judgment imagery entirely. Focus on God's loving care and the warmth and healing He brings, using the concrete image of sunrise as something children can picture and feel.

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. Thank You, God, for loving us and always taking care of us. Help us to feel Your warmth and love today, like the sunshine that makes everything bright and good. 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 woken up on a cold morning and then felt the warm sunshine come through your window? How did that feel?

Example: Yes, I remember when it was really cold and I was under my blanket, and then the sun came in my window and it felt so warm and cozy on my face.

Bridge to the reading: That feeling of warm sunshine making you feel better is so special. In today's reading, we will hear about how God promises to send His people something like a beautiful sunrise that will bring healing and warmth to everyone who loves Him.

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 the prophet Malachi say will rise for people who love God?

    Example: Malachi says a sun will rise for people who love God, and it will be a special sun that brings healing to them.

  2. What do you think 'healing rays' might feel like?

    Example: I think healing rays would feel warm and gentle, like when you are sick and someone gives you a cozy blanket and you start feeling better.

  3. Why do you think God uses the sun to describe something good?

    Example: I think God uses the sun because the sun makes everything bright and warm and helps plants grow, so it shows God wants good things for us.

  4. How does this reading show us that God cares about people who love Him?

    Example: It shows God cares because He promises to send them something wonderful like the sun with healing, so they will be happy and well.

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 God has something warm and good planned for people who love Him?

    Example: It makes me feel really happy inside, like when my mom or dad promises me something special and I know they will keep their promise.

  2. What is one way you can show God that you love Him at home with your family?

    Example: I can show God I love Him by being kind to my little brother and sharing my toys even when I do not want to share.

  3. This week, how could you be like a little bit of warm sunshine to someone who is sad?

    Example: I could sit with someone at lunch who looks lonely and talk to them so they feel happier and not alone anymore.

Recap

Today we heard that God promises something beautiful for people who love Him. The prophet Malachi said a special sun will rise with healing rays, bringing warmth and happiness. Just like sunshine makes us feel good on a cold day, God wants to bring us His love and care. We can trust that God always remembers us and has wonderful things planned for us.

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 are feeling sick or sad, that they may feel God's healing love like warm sunshine in their hearts, we pray to the Lord.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Loving God, thank You for promising us Your warmth and healing. Help us to share Your love with others this week and to trust that You are always taking care of us. 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 Sun of Healing

Malachi 3:19-20a

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.

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

Words to find

  • sun
  • healing
  • warmth
  • love
  • promise
  • God
  • light
  • morning
  • care
  • trust
  • rays
  • rise

ChildrensLiturgy.org