Be Humble, Serve Others

KID TALK: Hi everyone! I am back, and eager to go to mass this Sunday. The Gospel is from Mark 9:30-37. It’s all about how we should treat others and what true greatness really means.

So, in this story, Jesus is with his twelve helpers, called disciples. They were walking along, and Jesus told them about some really important stuff that was going to happen. Jesus said he would be betrayed and even killed, but then he would come back to life! The disciples didn’t really understand what he was saying, but they were too shy to ask him about it.

As they were walking, the disciples started to argue about who was the greatest among them. I think this sounds a lot like when we argue about who’s the smartest, fastest, or best at something in our class. You know, like when Tommy says he’s the best at soccer, but then Sarah says she’s the fastest runner.

Jesus heard the disciples arguing and knew what they were talking about. He sat down with them and explained that being great isn’t about being the best at something or better than others. He said that true greatness is all about serving others and being humble.

Jesus gave an example that we can all understand: He said that if anyone wants to be first, they must be last and the servant of everyone else. Can you imagine how different our classroom would be if we all tried to be the one who serves and helps others the most?

Imagine you’re in religion class, and your teacher is discussing the Seven Deadly Sins. You notice your friend, Emma, looks a little confused, and you remember how you felt when you struggled to understand a topic last week. Instead of boasting that you know all about the sins, you could whisper to Emma, “Do you need help? I can explain them to you later if you want.”

After class, you sit with Emma and go over each sin, explaining them one by one. You’re patient and kind, just like when your older sibling helped you learn your prayers. You remember that everyone learns at their own pace, and you encourage Emma when she has trouble grasping a concept.

Later, you notice another classmate, Jack, who’s having difficulty remembering the sins. You ask your teacher if you can be Jack’s study buddy during religion class, helping him understand and remember each sin.

Helping other children learn about the Seven Deadly Sins can also involve sharing your notes or study tips, giving small reminders during class, or even forming a study group where everyone can share their knowledge and help each other improve.

But Jesus didn’t stop there; he also talked about welcoming others. He took a little child and said that whoever welcomes a child like this one in his name, welcomes him! And it’s not just about children; it’s about welcoming everyone, especially those who might need help or friendship. It’s like when we have a new classmate, and we make sure they feel included in our games and activities.

So, my friends, the story of Mark 9:30-37 reminds us that we shouldn’t worry about being the best or the smartest. Instead, let’s focus on being humble, serving others, and welcoming everyone. That’s how we can truly be great in God’s eyes!

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NO VIDEO of Bird Child is available. Above book is LITTLE BIRD HOME by Jo Empson.

Word of the Week

INTEGRITY

Bird Child

Bully and the ability to rise above it is at the heart of this book, Bird Child. Often, children feel powerless in the face of bullying. However, this is not the case for Eliza. Her mother has given her “wings to fly” and the ability to see all possibilities lying before her. So, when bullies pick on the new student, Lainey, and gradually rob her of her smile and her ability to paint beautiful pictures, Eliza wants to help. She does this by finding a way to show Lainey all that she can be. Then, in the schoolyard, Eliza shows integrity when she stands up to the bullies. This story is a wonderful resource for talking about integrity during difficult situations.

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SOURCE: Markkula Center for Applied Ethics

SOURCE: Holy Family FDL

True greatness in the kingdom of God is achieved through humility, servitude, and embracing others without comparison.

SOURCE: Mary Jo Cole

True greatness, according to Jesus, is achieved through humility and serving others rather than seeking status or recognition.

SDC Sunday Liturgy Resources

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S.D.C. is a Catholic Society that works in the field of Catechesis and the spreading of the Word of God in different ways.  READ MORE

SOURCE: SDC Sunday Liturgy Resources

Catholic Kids Bulletin

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The Kids’ Bulletins are a resource for Catholic kids who would like to have some fun while learning about the readings from the Sunday Mass every week. (Ordinary Form)  They are made by a mom in Canada who is happy to share them with anyone who can use them to help learn or teach about the truth and beauty of the Faith.

SOURCE: Catholic Kids Bulletin

SOURCE: Ministry to Children

The Least is the Greatest

What makes someone worthy of esteem? We tend to equate greatness with personal achievement, success, or power. However, Jesus turned such ideas upside down by asserting that to be truly great requires humility and recognition that identity is found in God alone. Rather than focusing on competition and esteem, we should look to God for strength and realize our dependence on Him.

Choices

OBJECTS: Items mentioned in text of lesson or substitute other items which are more convenient for your use.

I have two pieces of toast. (Show a slice of burned toast and a slice of golden-brown toast with jam.) Which one would you choose? Yes, most of us would choose the nicely toasted bread with jam.

Here are two cookies. (Show a large cookie and a smaller cookie.) Which cookie would you choose? Yes, many of us would choose the larger cookie.

Look at these bananas. One is overripe and has black spots; the other seems just right to eat. I think I know which one you would choose.

What would you do if you knew the person with whom you were to share the food had not had enough to eat and felt hungry? Would it change you decision? Yes, you might decide that the hungry person needs the toast with jam. You might decide to give the hungry person the larger cookie and the yellow banana. You might decide to go without things you want so others will have what they need.

It is not unusual for us to want the biggest or best. We may want to be first in line when it is time for recess. We may want to have the first turn when we play a game. We make decisions like that everyday.

SERMON CONTINUES

SOURCE: Sermon Writer

Who is Smarter?

OBJECTS: None

On the school bus one day Kelly and Kyle’s friend, Shauna, wanted to know which twin was smarter. Her statement that started out as a joke set the twins on a competition to see who could get the best grades in school. The competition got so bad that they wouldn’t even study together in the evenings. And then they started arguing with each other about who really was smarter.

Their mom set them down one morning talk to them about their competition. She reminded them of the story in John 9. The story went like this: One day as they were walking from one town to another, Jesus explained to his friends that he would have to die. That was a very serious talk. See Jesus came to earth to show people how to live for God, but he also came as a sacrifice and knew that he would die on a cross.

Jesus friends didn’t understand, and they started talking with each other because they thought Jesus was going to set up a kingdom on earth and they wanted to be a big part of his kingdom. So they were arguing about who would be greatest in Jesus’ new kingdom.

When they arrived in Capernaum, the town where they would stay for a few days, Jesus surprised his disciples by asking, “What were you arguing among yourselves on the way?” (vs. 33) They didn’t expect that? Maybe they thought they were being very quiet. But, Jesus must have overheard them. They didn’t say a word. Do you think they were embarrassed? (Allow the children to answer.) Yes, they were probably thinking, “Oh, I wish I hadn’t said that!” “Why didn’t I keep my mouth shut?”

SERMON CONTINUES

SOURCE: Sermon Writer