Jesus was preaching to a group of people and said to his disciples:
‘How happy are you who are poor; yours is the kingdom of God.
Happy are you who are hungry now: you shall be satisfied.
Happy are you who are sad now: you shall laugh.
Happy are you when people don’t like you, are unkind and hurt you, because you follow God, you will be blessed in heaven.
Rejoice when that day comes and dance for joy, for your reward will be great in heaven.
But for you who are rich: you are having your good things now.
For you who are full now: you shall go hungry.
For you who laugh now: you shall be sad and cry.
This is the gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ
In the gospel today, Jesus talks to the people about how to be happy. We call these ways the Beatitudes. Can you remember some of the people who he said would be happy, or blessed? Jesus says, those who are poor will be happy because the kingdom of God belongs to them - they will go to heaven! He says those who are hungry will be happy, they will have enough to eat. Jesus says that those who cry will be happy, their tears will change to laughter. He says that people who believe in Him will be happy, because they will be blessed in heaven. Jesus loves all people and wants them to know that He will take care of them no matter what happens to them or how they feel. We can all turn to Jesus when we need help for everything. Jesus also asks us to help the poor, lonely, and sad people. Jesus wanted us to know what is important in life. It is not having all the money or best toys or being first in line, it is about being kind, loving, honest, and selfless just like He is. He wants us to do what we can to help all people in our world to be happy. What do you think we can do to help people who are poor, hungry, sad, or hurt by others? (responses) We can share what we have. We can comfort and love them. We can be their friend. We can pray for them. What will you do this week if you see someone who is sad, hungry, or hurt? Let’s think about that and add this to our challenge for the week.
Challenge for this week:
Continue with JAM and think of ways to help people who are sad, lonely, hurting, or hungry. Praying can help everyone.
Questions for the Week:
1) What is a beatitude? (Beatitude means blessed and happy) 2) How can we help someone who is sad? (Try to cheer them up, offer to play with them or to share a special toy, pray for them) 3) How can we be a good friend to others? (Ask what they would like to do first, be kind, pray for them) 4) Why do you think Jesus wants us to help the poor, sad, and lonely people? (He wants all the people in the world to be happy)