Children's Liturgy Series: 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle B)

In today's gospel we learn about how Jesus went to visit Simon Peter's mother-in-law and cured her. He also healed many sick people in town  and drew a large following.

Holy Spirit, fill my heart and illuminate my mind. Help me to hear and understand God's message today. Help me to recognise when God is trying to speak to me in my daily life. Amen

On leaving the synagogueJesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them.

When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases,and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.

Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.”So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

Say: Think about about a time when you were sick.

Ask: What did you want most when you were sick? What did other people do to help you when you were sick? How have you helped others who were sick?

Ask: What did Simon’s mother-in-law do after Jesus healed her? (She served Jesus and his disciples.) We see in her example that one of the things that those who are ill need most is a sense of purpose and the opportunity to make a contribution.

Say: The Church continues to bring Jesus’ healing presence to those who are sick. What are some things that our Church does for those who are sick? (We visit the sick; we bring Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist; we pray for those who are sick; we celebrate the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.)

Conclude in prayer together, asking Jesus to be with those who are sick. Pray prayers of petition for those who are sick; after each petition, pray “Jesus, heal us.” Conclude by praying the Glory Be to the Father.

Father in heaven, we give you today, all that we think, and do, and say, and we join it with all that was done by Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen