We will need
- Pictures of the different episodes. These may be placed in different places around the house. Use candles with caution, light up the rooms. Decorate with flowers and palm branches/olive branches and white cloth
- Laptop – instead of the readings you may show the video clips
Sign of the cross
Jesus has risen from the dead, Hallelujah
Sing: Let’s praise the Lord
Dear God the Father, thank you for sending your Son Jesus to save us. Thank you for your love and the hope you gave us in Easter. Help us to share this joy and hope with others. Whilst praying this joyful prayer, let us remember that what happened so many years ago, is also happening today. What Jesus told to his apostles, he repeats to us today too.
We want to pray for all those children who are not happy and do not live in peace. Sweet Jesus, send people that are willing to share your joy and peace with them.
Amen.
We adore you, O Christ and we praise you, because by your holy cross and resurrection, you have redeemed the world.
Jesus rises from the dead
Visit:
A reading from the Gospel of Matthew (28, 1-10)
The day after the Sabbath day was the first day of the week. At dawn on the first day, Mary Magdalene and another woman named Mary went to look at the tomb.
At that time there was a strong earthquake. An angel of the Lord came down from heaven. The angel went to the tomb and rolled the stone away from the entrance. Then he sat on the stone. He was shining as bright as lightning. His clothes were white as snow. The soldiers guarding the tomb were very frightened of the angel. They shook with fear and then became like dead men.
The angel said to the women, “Don’t be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus, the one who was killed on the cross. But he is not here. He has risen from death as he said he would. Come and see the place where his body was. And go quickly and tell his followers. Say to them: ‘Jesus has risen from death. He is going into Galilee. He will be there before you. You will see him there.’” Then the angel said, “Now I have told you.”
The women left the tomb quickly. They were afraid, but they were also very happy. They ran to tell Jesus’ followers what had happened. Suddenly, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings.” The women came up to Jesus, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go on to Galilee. They will see me there.”
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
We think and reflect
- How did Mary Magdalene and the other Mary feel, when they felt the strong earthquake and the angel appeared?
- Do you know how to have courage when you are afraid? Remember that Jesus is near you. Even though you cannot see him, he is near you, taking care of you and telling you, “Don’t be afraid!”
Prayer
Jesus, the angel said, “He has risen from death as he said he would.” Jesus, you always keep your promises. Help us remember, and when necessary, help us remind others too, that you are always with us, that you love us, you help us, you forgive us. Thank you, Jesus that we are so special to you.
Jesus has risen from the dead, Hallelujah
Amen
Sing: Let’s praise the Lord
We adore you, O Christ and we praise you, because by your holy cross and resurrection, you have redeemed the world.
Jesus meets the two disciples on the road to Emmaus
Visit:
A reading from the Gospel of Luke (24, 13-27)
That same day two of Jesus’ followers were going to a town named Emmaus. It is about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking about everything that had happened. While they were discussing these things, Jesus himself came near and began walking with them. (They were not allowed to recognize Jesus.) Then he said, “What are these things you are talking about while you walk?”
The two followers stopped. Their faces were very sad. The one named Cleopas answered, “You must be the only one in Jerusalem who does not know what just happened there.”
Jesus said to them, “What are you talking about?”
The followers said, “It is about Jesus of Nazareth. He was a prophet from God to all the people. He said and did many powerful things. Our leaders and the leading priests gave him up to be judged and killed. They nailed him to a cross. But we were hoping that he would free the Jews. It is now the third day since this happened. And today some women among us told us some amazing things. Early this morning they went to the tomb, but they did not find his body there. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels. The angels said that Jesus was alive! So some of our group went to the tomb, too. They found it just as the women said, but they did not see Jesus.”
Then Jesus said to them, “You are foolish and slow to realize what is true. You should believe everything the prophets said. They said that the Christ must suffer these things before he enters his glory.” Then Jesus began to explain everything that had been written about himself in the Scriptures. He started with Moses, and then he talked about what all the prophets had said about him.
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
We think and reflect
- Where you ever expecting something great to happen and the exact opposite occurred? How did you feel?
- These disciples were confused. Jesus had died, and there were some who had gone to his tomb and found it empty. They did not know what to think. They were sad. When Jesus started to walk beside them, they did not recognise him, at first. We too, do not recognise Jesus immediately. We get to know Jesus, little by little.
- Jesus gave us a very special gift in the Eucharist. Do you feel that Jesus is near you when you receive communion? Do you feel Jesus near when you read the Bible?
Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank you for the gift of the Eucharist. Help us remove all distractions when we receive you in communion and remember only, that you are very near to us. Help us give all our attention when listening to your voice, when we read the Bible.
Jesus has risen from the dead, Hallelujah
Amen
Sing: Let’s praise the Lord
We adore you, O Christ and we praise you, because by your holy cross and resurrection, you have redeemed the world.
Jesus appears to the apostles, but Thomas is not with them
A reading from the Gospel of John (20, 24-29)
Thomas (called Didymus) was not with the followers when Jesus came. Thomas was one of the twelve. The other followers told Thomas, “We saw the Lord.”
Yet Thomas said: “I will not believe it until I see the nail marks in his hands. And I will not believe until I put my finger where the nails were and put my hand into his side.”
A week later the followers were in the house again. Thomas was with them. The doors were locked, but Jesus came in and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand here in my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you see me. Those who believe without seeing me will be truly happy.”
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
We think and reflect
- Have you ever returned home, or met some friends, and they tell you, “Oh what did you just miss! If only had you arrived some minutes earlier!”? They go on telling you what happened, about something you really wished to do or a person you wanted to meet. This is what happened to Thomas. When he returned, the disciples told him that they had met Jesus!
- Thomas did not believe them. Do you believe everything Jesus tells you? Do you believe all that the truths of faith that the Church teaches about Jesus, especially through the Bible?
Prayer
Thank you, Jesus, for all your patience. You were very patient with Thomas and we believe that you are also patient with us. Help us believe every word of yours. You know that this is not always easy. Give us faith to believe, so that we have peace and joy in our hearts.
Just as Jesus gives us his peace, give each other a sign of peace.
Jesus has risen from the dead, Hallelujah
Amen
Sing: Let’s praise the Lord
We adore you, O Christ and we praise you, because by your holy cross and resurrection, you have redeemed the world.
A huge catch of fish
Watch video here.
A reading from the Gospel of John (21, 1-13)
Later, Jesus showed himself to his followers by Lake Galilee. This is how it happened: Some of the followers were together. They were Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the two sons of Zebedee, and two other followers. Simon Peter said, “I am going out to fish.”
The other followers said, “We will go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat. They fished that night but caught nothing.
Early the next morning Jesus stood on the shore. But the followers did not know that it was Jesus. Then he said to them, “Friends, have you caught any fish?”
They answered, “No.”
He said, “Throw your net into the water on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they did this. They caught so many fish that they could not pull the net back into the boat.
The follower whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Peter heard him say this, he wrapped his coat around himself. (Peter had taken his clothes off.) Then he jumped into the water. The other followers went to shore in the boat, dragging the net full of fish. They were not very far from shore, only about 100 yards. When the followers stepped out of the boat and onto the shore, they saw a fire of hot coals. There were fish on the fire, and there was bread.
Then Jesus said, “Bring some of the fish that you caught.”
Simon Peter went into the boat and pulled the net to the shore. It was full of big fish. There were 153. Even though there were so many, the net did not tear. Jesus said to them, “Come and eat.” None of the followers dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them. He also gave them the fish.
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
We think and reflect
- Have you ever tried doing something which you usually manage to do without difficulty, but this time round, you do not manage to do? How did you feel?
- This is what happened to Jesus’ fishermen friends. They went fishing, yet they caught nothing. However, when Jesus asked them to try again, they lowered the nets and caught a huge amount of fish. They did not immediately recognise Jesus. Do we always recognise Jesus?
- Jesus told us that whatever we do to others, we will be doing it to him. When someone asks us for help, do we remember that it is Jesus asking us for help?
Prayer
Jesus, we want to trust in you. We know that when we do what you desire, we can do great and special things. The apostles did not expect to catch all those fish. However, they obeyed you, and the net was too heavy to lift! Let us not only trust in you, but also give us wisdom to see you in all those we meet, and remember, that what we do to them, whether good or bad, we will be doing it to you.
Jesus has risen from the dead, Hallelujah
Amen
Sing: Let’s praise the Lord
We adore you, O Christ and we praise you, because by your holy cross and resurrection, you have redeemed the world.
Jesus asks Peter to take care of his sheep
Visit:
A reading from the Gospel of John (21, 15-17, 19)
When they finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John do you love me more than these?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my lambs.”
Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
A third time he said, “Simon son of John do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” Peter said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you!”
He said to him, “Take care of my sheep. Then Jesus said to Peter, “Follow me!”
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
We think and reflect
- How do you feel when someone keeps asking you the same question?
- How do you think Peter felt, when Jesus asked him three times, if he loved him?
- Do you remember when Peter had denied Jesus? Peter had denied Jesus, three times. Most probably he was still feeling guilty about what he had done. With these three questions, Jesus restores peace in Peter’s heart. Jesus had already forgiven Peter; yet, Peter was still burdened with his actions. Jesus not only forgives Peter, but he also entrusts him with leading the Church.
Prayer
My Lord, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Saviour Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen
Thank you, Jesus, for always forgiving me.
Jesus has risen from the dead, Hallelujah
Amen
Sing: Let’s praise the Lord
We adore you, O Christ and we praise you, because by your holy cross and resurrection, you have redeemed the world.
Jesus ascends into Heaven
A reading from the Gospel of Mark (16, 15-20)
Jesus said to the followers, “Go everywhere in the world. Tell the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But he who does not believe will be judged guilty. And those who believe will be able to do these things as proof: They will use my name to force demons out of people. They will speak in languages they never learned. They will pick up snakes without being hurt. And they will drink poison without being hurt. They will touch the sick, and the sick will be healed.”
After the Lord Jesus said these things to the followers, he was carried up into heaven. There, Jesus sat at the right side of God. The followers went everywhere in the world and told the Good News to people. And the Lord helped them. The Lord proved that the Good News they told was true by giving them power to work miracles.
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
We think and reflect
- How do you think, the apostles felt, when Jesus told them, what they could do, if they believed in him? Did they feel like they were some superheroes?
- Do you believe, that with Jesus, you can do great things?
- Jesus, ascended into heaven, but he did not leave the apostles on their own, “the Lord helped them. The Lord proved that the Good News they told was true by giving them power to work miracles.” He is also with us today.
Prayer
Thank you, Jesus, for not leaving us on our own. Help us to show you that we love you, by loving others.
Jesus has risen from the dead, Hallelujah
Amen
Sing: Let’s praise the Lord
We adore you, O Christ and we praise you, because by your holy cross and resurrection, you have redeemed the world.
Jesus sends the Holy Spirit
Visit:
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (2, 1-13)
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a noise came from heaven. It sounded like a strong wind blowing. This noise filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw something that looked like flames of fire. The flames were separated and stood over each person there. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak different languages. The Holy Spirit was giving them the power to speak these languages.
There were some religious Jews staying in Jerusalem who were from every country in the world. When they heard this noise, a crowd came together. They were all surprised, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were completely amazed at this. They said, “Look! Aren’t all these men that we hear speaking from Galilee? But each of us hears them in his own language. How is this possible? We are from different places: Parthia, Media, Elam, Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the areas of Libya near Cyrene, Rome (both Jews and those who had become Jews), Crete and Arabia. But we hear these men telling in our own languages about the great things God has done!” They were all amazed and confused. They asked each other, “What does this mean?”
But others were making fun of them, saying, “They have had too much wine.”
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
We think and reflect
- Although Jesus’ friends wanted to go out and teach the people, they were afraid. Did you ever want to do something, which was right, but you were afraid to do it?
- Why were you afraid?
- How do you think, the disciples felt when they saw the flames of fire?
- The Holy Spirit gave them the courage needed to go out and teach. With the help of the Holy Spirit, what more can you do, than what you are already doing now?
Prayer
Holy Spirit, you gave the disciples the strength to overcome their fears, and go out and continue living in Jesus’ footsteps. I too, wish to have the courage to (mention what you have thought about, above). I know that with your help, I can do it. Amen.
Jesus has risen from the dead, Hallelujah
Amen
Sing: Let’s praise the Lord
About
This new bekids.mt aims to offer an even more comprehensive catechetical formation for children preparing to receive the sacraments.
