By OSV Kids | OSV News
Prepare for Mass with these Gospel summaries and reflection questions for May.
May 5: Sixth Sunday of Easter (Jn 15:9-17)
Today’s Gospel from John is a challenge. Jesus tells us his basic commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you.” Jesus calls us friends, reminding us that friends want only what is best for the other person.
• How has Jesus been a good friend to you?
• What can you do this week to be a friend to Jesus?
May 12: Seventh Sunday of Easter (Jn 17:11b-19)
Jesus prays at the Last Supper for his disciples. He wants them to be full of joy; he asks God to bless and “consecrate” them in the truth. He is now getting ready to send them into the world to take his place. In this prayer, Jesus was also praying for all us who have heard his message.
• What do you think Jesus has chosen you to do to help him this week?
• How will you do it?
May 12: Ascension of the Lord (Mt 28:16-20)
In this closing scene from Matthew’s Gospel, the disciples still have doubts, but as soon as they see Jesus, they recognize him. His message to them is to baptize and teach, inviting all nations to become disciples.
• How can we reach out to others, to people “of all nations”?
• How is Jesus still with us?
• How can we make Jesus alive on earth?
May 19: Pentecost Sunday (Jn 20:19-23)
In John’s Gospel, the disciples are hiding behind locked doors because of fear of their enemies. When Jesus comes, they are calmed. He gives them the power to give peace to others by forgiving their sins.
• The Holy Spirit is like the wind. Wind changes things. What needs changing — in you, in your family, in the world?
• Write a family prayer to the Holy Spirit asking for the courage to make changes.
• What do you think Jesus is sending you to do at this time in your life?
May 26: The Most Holy Trinity (Mt 28:16-20)
In the conclusion of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus gives the Apostles a great work: to teach and baptize all throughout the entire world, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ message promised he would always be with his followers.
• How does that make you feel?
• When do you know Jesus is with you?
Saint of the Month
St. Julian of Norwich (c. 1342-1430)
Feast Day: May 13
Julian of Norwich was a medieval mystic and theologian. Among her many accomplishments, she was the first woman we know of to have written a book in English — “Revelations of Divine Love.” Despite living in a time of war and plague, she offered a hopeful and positive vision of God’s divine love, stressing that God is both maternal and paternal in his love for us. Her most famous saying is, “All shall be well and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well.”
In her memory:
• Teach your children her famous saying to use in times of trouble.
• Encourage family members to journal.
• Serve hazelnuts — they inspired her to think about God’s love.
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OSV Kids is a monthly children’s magazine helping kids live and love and their Catholic faith. For more information go to osvkids.com.