Children's Liturgy Guide

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year C · Ordinary Time

Jesus Blesses the Poor

Reading: Luke 6:17, 20-26

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 came down from a mountain and spoke to a big crowd of people. He told them that people who are poor, hungry, or sad right now are blessed because God loves them and will take care of them in heaven.

Key Points

  • Jesus teaches that God has special love for people who are struggling
  • Being 'blessed' means God sees us and cares for us
  • God promises to comfort those who are sad and feed those who are hungry
  • We can trust God to take care of us even when things are hard

Background

This passage presents the Beatitudes from Luke's Gospel, often called the 'Sermon on the Plain.' Unlike Matthew's version, Luke's Beatitudes are more direct and include corresponding 'woes.' The theological tension here is that Jesus reverses worldly values: those society considers unfortunate are declared blessed by God. For children, emphasize that God loves and sees people who are having a hard time, and that we can trust God to take care of us. Set aside the 'woes' and complex discussions about wealth and poverty, focusing instead on God's comforting love for those who struggle.

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 God, thank you for loving us so much. Help us to listen to what Jesus teaches us today and to trust that you always take care of 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.

Can you tell me about a time when you felt sad or you were having a really hard day?

Example: One time I was really sad because my grandma was sick and I missed her a lot and I wanted to see her but she was in the hospital far away.

Bridge to the reading: Sometimes we all feel sad or have hard days. In today's reading, Jesus speaks to people who were having hard times, and he tells them something wonderful: God sees them and blesses them.

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 did Jesus come from before he talked to all the people?

    Example: Jesus came down from a mountain and he stood in a flat place where lots of people were waiting to hear him talk.

  2. Who did Jesus say was blessed in this reading?

    Example: Jesus said that people who are poor are blessed and people who are hungry are blessed and people who are crying are blessed too.

  3. What did Jesus promise would happen to people who are hungry now?

    Example: Jesus promised that the people who are hungry now will be filled up later, like they will have enough food and be satisfied.

  4. Why do you think Jesus wanted to tell the sad and poor people that they are blessed?

    Example: I think Jesus wanted them to know that God really loves them and sees them and will make everything better for them someday.

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 when someone notices you are sad and tries to help you feel better?

    Example: It feels really good and warm inside when someone sees I am sad because then I know they care about me and I am not alone.

  2. What could you do if you saw a friend at school who looked sad or lonely?

    Example: I could go sit with them and ask them what is wrong and maybe play with them so they would not feel so lonely anymore.

  3. This week, how could you show someone in your family that God loves them?

    Example: I could give my mom or dad a big hug and tell them I love them and maybe help them do something nice around the house.

Recap

Today we heard that Jesus taught a big crowd of people something very special. He said that people who are poor, hungry, or sad are blessed because God sees them and loves them. God promises to take care of everyone who is struggling, and we can trust God to help us too.

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 around the world who are hungry or sad, that they may feel God's love and care, we pray to the Lord.

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 God loves everyone, especially those who are having a hard time. Help us to trust in your love and to share your love with others. 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 Blesses the Poor

Luke 6:17, 20-26

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.

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

Words to find

  • Jesus
  • blessed
  • poor
  • hungry
  • love
  • happy
  • mountain
  • crowd
  • promise
  • trust
  • comfort
  • God

ChildrensLiturgy.org