Be Nice, Accept Others

Hi friends! Today, I want to share with you a story from the Bible that teaches us about being kind to others, even if they’re different from us. The story is from Chapter 9 in the Gospel of Mark.

In the story, Jesus’s disciples were upset because they saw someone doing good things but not as part of their own group of followers. This person was casting out demons in Jesus’s name. The disciples told him to stop because he wasn’t one of them.

Jesus heard about this and explained that it was okay for the person to do good things, even if he wasn’t part of their group. Jesus said that if someone does good things in His name, it’s the same as doing it for Him. He said, “For whoever is not against us is for us.” (Mark 9:40)

Then, Jesus gave an example about cutting off your hand or foot or plucking out your eye if they’re causing you to do bad things. But don’t you actually do that. That would be wrong and not what Jesus wants us to do. What he is saying is that it’s important to stop doing bad things, even if it’s hard or painful. Sometimes grown ups speak in this way to make a point. I know it is kind of confusing. 

But Jesus wants us to try our best to stop doing bad things. Maybe you sometimes say unkind words or take things that aren’t yours. Or maybe you like hitting and pushing others while saying unkind or hurtful words. Or may looking at things on the internet, TV, or in video games that aren’t meant for kids or that make you feel uncomfortable. Ask God to help you be better, and remember that it’s important to do the right thing, even if it’s hard.

At the end of the Gospel, Jesus talked about how everyone should be more like children because God’s kingdom belongs to people who are like children. He said, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.” (Mark 9:37) I think Jesus wants everyone to be like little kids because they are always nice to each other and we don’t judge anyone. He said that we should welcome others in his name, and that means we should be friends with everyone. God’s kingdom is for people who are like us, so let’s be kind and play nice together! Even if they’re not exactly like you. This could mean playing with the new kid at school who might be shy or inviting someone who’s sitting alone to join your group.

This week pray the rosary with your family to God and ask Jesus to help you be more kind and loving. By treating others with love and kindness, we can make God happy and make our world a better place for everyone!

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Word of the Week

INCLUSIVENESS

You Are Special

In this heartwarming story, we hear of Punchinello, a small wooden creature referred to as a Wemmick. Punchinello is not one of the stellar Wemmicks because his paint is chipped and he does not look as beautiful as some of the others do. It is Eli, the woodcarver, who helps Punchinello understand how special he is no matter what others might think. The vital message in this story for children and adults alike is that regardless of how the world evaluates them, God cherishes everyone just as they are. This story reminds us that God wants us all to be included and that we are always included in his love for us.

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SOURCE: Markkula Center for Applied Ethics

Father Edward

Engaging in good deeds, prayer, and worship, despite imperfections and sacrifices, is essential for spiritual growth and alignment with Jesus’ teachings.

Mary Jo Cole

SOURCE: Mary Jo Cole

In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us that God’s love is for everyone and we learn how to show God’s love through kind and caring acts. How can you let God’s love shine in you this week?

Uganda Catholic Television

SOURCE: Uganda Catholic Television

The importance of prayer, inclusivity, and kindness in fostering community and supporting those in need, as emphasized through the teachings of Jesus and the experiences of refugees.

Father Glenn

SOURCE: Edmonton Catholic School District

SOURCE: Edmonton Catholic School District

The importance of community, prayer, and inclusivity in expressing kindness and compassion, while recognizing and celebrating the unique gifts of each individual in the pursuit of love and healing.

KEY INSIGHTS w/ Timestamps

• 00:00 Gather in prayer to seek Jesus's mercy, healing, and love while reflecting on kindness and compassion as a community.
• 01:37 Jesus teaches that those who perform good deeds in His name, even if not part of the group, are allies, emphasizing inclusivity and the value of every act of kindness.
• 02:52 Disciples struggle with jealousy over an outsider performing miracles in Jesus' name, revealing their insecurity about their unique relationship with Him.
• 04:17 Gifts should be shared equally to avoid jealousy, as the Holy Spirit freely bestows blessings on everyone, encouraging us to celebrate each other's gifts and actions of love.
• 06:00 God calls us to selflessly show love through small acts of kindness, reflecting on our relationships and our responses to others' successes.
  • God values even the smallest acts of kindness done with love, encouraging us to give selflessly without expecting rewards.
  • Jesus exemplifies selfless love by giving his life for others, prompting us to reflect on our relationships and whether we celebrate or envy the achievements of those around us.
• 07:56 Celebrate and give thanks for the unique gifts and love shared by everyone, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from giving love without seeking reward.
• 09:52 Pray for healing, peace, and justice, remembering our deceased loved ones and inviting personal intentions.
  • Pray for the healing and encouragement of those who are sick, especially those with chronic conditions, and for peace and justice in the world for those facing unrest.
  • We pray for our deceased loved ones, trusting in Jesus' eternal love that conquers sin and death, and invite personal intentions before reciting the Lord's Prayer.
• 11:59 Acknowledging the importance of community and prayer, the episode celebrates St. Gabriel Center for diverse learning while offering blessings and gratitude.

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

Catholic Mom Crossword

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Enjoy Catholic coloring pages, lesson plans, Mass worksheets, puzzles, and more to help you prepare for Sunday Mass. These activities, prepared by the Catholic Mom Sunday Gospel Team, are free for you to print and share with your family, classroom, or parish.

SOURCE: Catholic Mom

SOURCE: Ministry to Children

Salty Christians

Salt has a lot of wonderful purposes. It adds flavor, preserves freshness, changes chemistry, and more! How does this relate to our Christian faith? Jesus calls us to dedicate ourselves to God and to one another. In more than one Bible passage, He refers to the importance of having “salt” in our lives as Christians. We can flavor and preserve things in the world with our examples and outreach. This message reminds children that we can give “flavor and freshness” to others, praying for wisdom and guidance in our lives.

Stumbling Blocks

OBJECTS: a large piece of cardboard or some other item behind which you can conceal your hand from the children’s view

Today I thought we’d play a game. Here are the rules: I’m going to hold up a certain number of fingers and I’d like you to count them and tell me how many I’m holding up. Easy enough? Let’s try it. (Hold up fingers in 2-3 combinations allowing children to name how many you’ve raised.)

OK…let’s keep going. (This time use the cardboard to conceal the number of fingers you’re holding up.) How many now? Can you tell? Why not?

Oh, is the cardboard a problem? Makes it hard to follow the rules anymore, doesn’t? I’m doing my part, but you can’t do yours, because I’ve put a problem – a barrier – in your way.

Do you know that word? A barrier is something that blocks something from happening.

Some barriers are good. On the road you might notice that sometimes there are barriers (walls or cables) between the cars going one direction and the cars going the other. And there are barriers at the zoo aren’t there? Dangerous animals are kept in cages or behind glass to block them from getting out or hurting anyone.

But sometimes barriers make it hard to follow the rules and do what’s right. We sometimes call those “stumbling blocks” – because they trip us up and keep us from doing what we’re supposed to.

SERMON CONTINUES

SOURCE: Sermon Writer

Adding Flavor

OBJECTS: salt

Salt is so common that we hardly think about it, yet much of what we eat is flavored with salt. When you cook, if you forget to add salt to eggs, potatoes, or oatmeal, you will definitely notice a difference. Salt is also added to many foods we buy in the grocery store and in foods we eat in restaurants.

Although salt seems like an ordinary thing, it is extremely important. People and animals must have salt in their diets to be healthy – it helps regulate fluid levels in our bodies. Salt is also used to preserve vegetables, meat, and fish.

Salt is so important that years ago it was used as money. People bartered and traded with salt and Roman soldiers were given salt as a part of their pay.

Jesus said, “Salt is good… Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another” (9:50).

We can think of Jesus using the word salt to describe the spirit of friendship. Friendship is God’s spirit of love that seasons our lives, just as salt adds flavor to food.

Having a spirit of friendship is important to our health, just as our bodies need to have salt. God’s spirit of love and friendship is something we must have to lead a good life. Jesus says, “Have salt (friendship) in yourselves, and be at peace with one another” (9:50). Be a friend. It will add flavor to your life.

SERMON CONTINUES

SOURCE: Sermon Writer