“One Who Loves Christ Is Full of Joy”
“Pope Francis wants you to have joy in your heart!”
“The one who loves Christ is full of joy and radiates joy…Dear young people, Jesus gives us life, life in abundance. If we are close to him, we will have joy in our hearts and a smile on our face.” Source: Lessons from Pope Francis for Children page 28
“Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”
Today’s Reading from USCCB.org
I subscribe to the on-line Daily Reading from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. It is a great resource and I receive the “Daily Reading” on my cell phone each morning. I thought the Alleluia was beautiful today and I wanted to share it. It comes from the same chapter of Matthew that has “The Beatitudes.” So I decided to talk about “The Beatitudes” for children, too.
“Alleluia MT 5:16
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Let your light shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.”
If we talked to young children about their “light” what do you think they’d say? We want them to know that they have an inner “light” that is their soul. When we let our light shine, we are sharing our positive nature and joy with others. Last year in my CCD class, the children learned this simple song, “This little Light of Mine” to sing about their love for Jesus, and the light of their beautiful souls.
Source: Hymnary.org
1 This little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine;
this little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine;
this little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine;
let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
2 Everywhere I go,
I’m gonna let it shine;
everywhere I go,
I’m gonna let it shine;
everywhere I go,
I’m gonna let it shine;
let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
3 Jesus gave it to me;
I’m gonna let it shine;
Jesus gave it to me;
I’m gonna let it shine;
Jesus gave it to me;
I’m gonna let it shine;
let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
To Hear The Tune:
Teaching Kids about “The Beatitudes” and The Sermon on the Mount
Teaching “The Beatitudes” to young children is a bit challenging. The words used in Holy Scripture are foreign and confusing for kindergarten through second, and possible third grade, students. The words require focused thought from us. I found several catholic websites for families that help simplify the words. Catholic Toolbox gives lists of links to websites for teaching children about different topics and themes. I got the idea for “Bee-Attitudes” from BibleFunforKids.com.
Paulist Press offers a number of “Child’s Guide” books on First Holy Communion, First Reconciliation, The Seven Sacraments, etc. Child’s Guide to the Beatitudes By Kathy DellaTorre O’Keefe, Illustrations By Anne Catherine Blake is a helpful book for families that “explains a core teaching of the New Testament in an easy-to-read and understandable format for children.” I am a fan of this series of books. They are excellent.
Child’s Guide to the Beatitude defines “Beatitudes” as “blessings.”
“God is always blessing us, every moment of every day, with his love and guidance. He is a special part of our lives!” Page 1
“A very long time ago, Jesus gathered with a group of people like us.They were moms. dads, grandparents, and children who wanted to learn more about God. This was an important occasion. It’s called the Sermon on the Mount because Jesus climbed up a hill to speak to the people.” Page 2
“These special blessings are called the Eight Beatitudes. The story of the Beatitudes is told in Matthew’s Gospel.” Page 4
Young Readers are asked questions after each of the Beatitudes, such as:
“Do you forgive others when they hurt you? Do you think it’s hard to be merciful?” Page 20
Children will learn from, and enjoy, the charming illustrations.
The Sermon on the Mount from Scripture
“The Sermon on the Mount. Matthew, chapter 5
1
* When he saw the crowds,* he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
2
He began to teach them, saying:
THE BEATITUDES*
3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,*
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.a
4
* Blessed are they who mourn,b
for they will be comforted.
5
* Blessed are the meek,c
for they will inherit the land.
6
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,*
for they will be satisfied.
7
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.d
8
* Blessed are the clean of heart,e
for they will see God.
9
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,*
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.f
11
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me.g
12
* Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.h Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
The Similes of Salt and Light.*
13
i “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.*
14
You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.j
15
Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house.k
16
Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.l”
Two “Bee-Attitude” Worksheets for Kindergarten through Third Grade (Click to Print)
Have the children decorate, as they wish, with markers. If you print this onto card stock, it will make a sturdy poster they can display.
The two “Bee Attitudes” worksheets were designed by Kim N. Buckley, a talented graphic designer who also designed all our handouts, cards, and printed materials.