Children’s Sermons for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
Curated children sermons and object lessons for Sunday Readings from SermonWriter, Ministry-to-Children, Religion Teacher and other sources.
Curated children sermons and object lessons for Sunday Readings from SermonWriter, Ministry-to-Children, Religion Teacher and other sources.
Many years ago there was a saying that went like this: “Children should be seen and not heard.” At that time children were not allowed to speak freely, and certainly not shout, when adults were present. Children were expected to stay very, very quiet, especially when there were guests in the home.
Thankfully times have changed and adults now encourage children to share in conversations and they try to listen very carefully to what children say. We like to hear your ideas and learn about your interests and activities.
All of us have experienced times when we have difficulty getting others to listen to us.
You may have tried to talk to your mom or dad, sister or brother when the television or radio is on and they are unable hear you. Or perhaps they are busy concentrating on a task and aren’t aware that you are talking.
If you have a cat you know that you can ask a cat to do something and the cat just ignores you. It doesn’t feel good to be ignored.
Objects suggested: NONE
Do you feel welcome when you come to church? (Pause.) I hope so! I hope you have some friends here who you love to play with. Now let me ask you another question: If Jesus were to walk in today, do you think He would feel welcome? Explain why you think that.
The Bible tells about a time Jesus went to the synagogue, which is like a church, in His hometown. It says before Jesus returned to His hometown, He had healed many people and even raised a young girl from the dead. As He always did, on the weekly day of rest, called the Sabbath, Jesus went to the synagogue. He began teaching, and many who were there were amazed at what they heard. They didn’t know that Jesus had so much wisdom and power. But He wasn’t welcomed by everyone. What do you think about Jesus not being welcomed in His own hometown? (Pause for answers.)
Objects Suggested: Various grocery items, a piece of driftwood, a feather, fresh garden produce. (Adapt these items to what is readily available to you.)
I’m going to show you some objects and I’d like you to figure out, or guess, where they came from. Here is a can of beans, a sack of flour, a bag of rice, a bottle of pancake syrup, and a box of crackers. Yes, you guessed right. These items came from the grocery store.
This item may be more difficult. It is a piece of driftwood. Yes, we find driftwood on the beach.
How about this – a feather. Well, we may not know which bird this came from, but we definitely know it came from a bird.
I have fresh tomatoes, lettuce, and some carrots in this bag. What smart children you are! You know these items came from someone’s garden.
Objects Suggested: Cereal Bowl
Can you imagine being filled with God’s grace? Grace is a word that means we are given something we don’t deserve. It is another word for God’s love.
God understands our weaknesses and forgives us for the mistakes we have made. God’s love and grace gives us the power and strength to make good choices. The Bible teaches us that when we feel weak his grace is enough.
Objects suggested: A package of cookies to share
Would you like a cookie? I think have enough for everyone to have one. I just love cookies! When you ask your mom if you can have a cookie, do you always get the same answer? Probably not. Sometimes the answer may be, “yes” and sometimes it may be “no.” If you ask for a cookie and it is almost time to eat dinner, the answer might be, “not right now, it would spoil your dinner.” You see, your mom wants what is best for you and when you ask for something, “yes” might not always be the answer that is best for you.
Did you know that same thing is true when we pray to God? Sometimes we ask God for something and He answers, “Yes” right away. Other times he may say, “No.” There are also times when we ask God for something, and he says, “Not right now.” The reason God doesn’t always say, “yes” is that He wants what is best for his children — and what we are asking for may not be what is best for us.
How can something be made strong because it’s weak? Only through the power of God! This simple Sunday School lesson focuses on a beautiful passage of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. Students will consider what it means to face challenges that they might not be able to conquer on their own power. They will appreciate the strength that comes through relying on God’s grace first and foremost.
SDC is a society of lay catechists that started in Malta in 1907. Worksheets can be downloaded and printed for use during Sunday Mass or handed out to children at school prior to the weekend. They are also used by parents who download them to use with their children at home.
14th Sunday in OT (July 4, 2021)
15th Sunday in OT (July 11, 2021)
16th Sunday in OT (July 18, 2021)
17th Sunday in OT (July 25, 2021)
18th Sunday in OT (August 1, 2021)
19th Sunday in OT (August 8, 2021)
Assumption of Mary (August 15, 2021)
21st Sunday in OT (August 22, 2021)
Feel free to copy and paste it into your parish publications.
Clipart © McCrimmons used with permission. All rights reserved; Text © 2018 Diocese of Salford Office for Liturgy
SEE ALSO: JESUS IS REJECTED IN NAZARETH
RECOMMENDED: Resources for Catholic Educators
Objects: Paper plates – one per child Grissini breadsticks — three per child Round orange slices — one per child Blueberries — six per child Cucumber slices — two per child Cheese slices — ¼ slice Raisins — six per child
Do This: Give each child a paper plate and the supplies. Have children follow these steps to make the “Edible Home” snack:
SAY: Even though some of the townspeople didn’t see it, Jesus was special. He healed people and did many miracles, and He is God. Whether or not they believed it, Jesus is and was God’s special son!
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Scripture Reference: Luke 4:14-31
Gospel Parallel to Mark 6:1-6
Suggested Emphasis:Encourage those who preach the word of God.
At this stage of development, older children are beginning to define themselves in circles of relation beyond their immediate family. In Jesus’ relations with his kinfolk in Nazareth, we learn that those who know Jesus best are those who have faith in him as the Son of God.
EXCERPT: Ask the children to recall a time when they were worried about something, perhaps about a test at school, something that happened to a friend, or a news story on TV or radio.
RELATED PAGE: Catholic Resources
When we are weak, HE is strong! These crafts celebrate the hope that we have in knowing God’s strength shines through in our weakness. We cannot do everything on our own, but we can do all things through Him. A “soft made strong cross” uses soft materials wrapped around a firm cross to remind children of where power comes from. A “How He Makes Me Strong Barbell” allows students to use a “weight” decoration to brainstorm how God strengthens us. Have fun and get crafty!
RELATED VIDEO: BIBLE CRAFT IDEAS
How many of us look nostalgically at our youth? To the times and places of our formative years? We yearn to relive that carefree period, yet we also know we cannot. That era is gone in our lives. We have moved on in our careers and place in society, but many of our past family members and friends have not, expecting us to fall into familiar roles from our former lives. That’s the dilemma Jesus faced when he returned to Nazareth.
In the story for the first reading, stubborn Jane got into a fight with her mother about bedtime. Her resistance reminds us about the disbelief among the contemporaries of Ezekiel.
In the story for the gospel, Jerry worked on a school project, only to be judged by Thomas. The relatives of Jesus judged him, but he found a better family, the sons and daughters of God.
As young people demonstrate increasing levels of maturity, they experience changes in their relationships with others. Similarly, as Christians, we acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God and that our faith has the power to change all our relationships with others.
EXCERPT:
RELATED PAGE: Catholic Resources