A reading from the Gospel according to Mark 13:24-32:
Jesus told his followers: One day the sun will be dark, the moon will no longer shine, and the stars will fall, and everything in the sky will be different. Then the Son of Man will be seen coming in the clouds with great power and glory. His angels will gather all believers from all over the earth. Just like the fig tree when you see its branches are green and sprouting new leaves, You know summer will soon come. When you see all these things happening, you will know it is near. But only the Father in heaven really knows when this will happen.
This is the gospel of the Lord
All: Praise to you Lord, Jesus Christ
Have you ever wanted something really bad? Maybe you waited for something before? A wonderful trip we were going to take during summer vacation or a special visitor that was coming to stay at our house, even an upcoming birthday party for a friend or ourselves, these are all great examples of waiting for things.
In today’s gospel story, Jesus talks about waiting and being ready for something to happen. Do you remember hearing that? Yes, Jesus told his followers that a very special day was coming. He told them that on this day people would see him coming in the clouds in power and glory. That is a very important day, isn’t it? Yes! When is that day going to be? Right, Jesus did not tell them that part. Why? Because nobody knows when that will be, not even Jesus. Only God the Father knows.
That is why we must all be ready. How can we be ready for that special day? (responses) Yes, by living the way Jesus wants us to by serving each other and showing love, kindness, and praying for everyone.
Gospel review questions:
1.
Who will be seen coming in the clouds in great power and glory? (Jesus, The Son of God) 2. When will this happen? (Nobody knows except God the Father) 3. What does Jesus tell his followers to do? (To be ready) 4. What can we do to be ready for Jesus? (We can do the things that Jesus wants us to do like loving one another, praying for each other, helping people, being kind, attending mass, sharing etc.)
Challenge this week: Come up with ways you can share your time, talent and treaure with Jesus!
(In-person CLW students are participating in an ongoing challenge where they will receive Jesus and Me envelopes to record how they shared their time, talent, and treasure with Jesus! Each week they will bring back the old envelope and receive a new one at the CLW table in the Narthex. During CLW class, we will talk about all the wonderful ways that the children have been using their gifts to help others.)