18 January – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)

Theme – Behold the Lamb of God

Welcome & Gathering

(Gather the children; place a small crucifix or image of Jesus where all can see.)

Leader:
“Today the Church shows us who Jesus really is.

Not just a good man.
Not just a teacher.

Today we hear a sentence that is so important we say it at every Mass.”

Make the Sign of the Cross together.

Leader:
“Lord Jesus,
You are the Lamb of God who takes away our sins.
Help us to listen, understand, and follow You.
Amen.”

Introducing the Theme

Ask:

“Have you ever heard the words ‘Behold the Lamb of God’ at Mass?”

“Who says them?”

“What do you think they mean?”

Say:

“Those words come straight from today’s Gospel.

A man called John the Baptist sees Jesus and points to Him.

He doesn’t say, ‘Look at my friend.’
He says something much bigger.”

Pause, then say clearly:

‘Behold the Lamb of God.’

“That means:
Look carefully.
This is the one God promised.
This is the one who saves us.”

The Gospel (Simplified – John 1:29–34)

(Read slowly and clearly.)

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming towards him and said:

“Look, here is the Lamb of God
who takes away the sin of the world.

This is the one God sent.
I saw the Spirit come down from heaven
and stay on Him.

This is the Son of God.”

Leader: “The Gospel of the Lord.”
Children: “Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.”

Reflection and Discussion

Ask:

“Why do you think John calls Jesus a lamb?”

“What is a lamb like?”

(Gentle, innocent, needs care.)

Say:

“A long time ago, God’s people offered lambs to say sorry for sin.

The lamb had done nothing wrong —
but it was offered to help others.

John is saying something amazing:

Jesus is the Lamb —
not an animal,
but God’s Son.

Jesus gives His life
to forgive us
and make us friends with God again.”

Connecting to the Mass

Say:

“Now listen carefully — this part is very important.”

“At every Mass, just before Holy Communion,
the priest holds up the Host and says:

‘Behold the Lamb of God.’”

“That means:

Jesus is here.
Jesus is offering Himself for us.
Jesus wants to forgive us and feed us with His love.”

“That’s why we stand quietly.
That’s why we listen.
That’s why Holy Communion is special.”

Living as Friends of the Lamb

Ask:

“If Jesus takes away sin,
what should we do when we do wrong?”

(Say sorry, try again, go to Confession.)

Say:

“Following the Lamb means:

saying sorry when we hurt others

forgiving when it’s hard

telling the truth

trying again when we fail

We don’t have to be perfect.

But we do have to follow.”

Short Prayer

(Invite the children to close their eyes.)

Leader:
“Jesus,
You are the Lamb of God.
Thank You for loving us.
Thank You for forgiving us.
Help us to follow You
and to live as Your friends.
Amen.”

Optional Activities (choose one if helpful)

Activity 1 – “Behold the Lamb”

Children draw a simple lamb or cross.

Inside it they draw or write:

one way they can say sorry this week

one way they can follow Jesus

Explain:
“The Lamb helps us start again.”

Activity 2 – Listening Practice

Ask the children to stand quietly for a few seconds.

Say:
“This is how we listen at Mass
when we hear ‘Behold the Lamb of God’.”

Stillness helps us listen to Jesus.

Activity 3 – Memory Line

Teach them to say together, slowly:

“Jesus is the Lamb of God.”

Repeat it twice.

Tell them to listen for it at Mass.

Sending Back

Leader:
“Today John the Baptist showed us who Jesus is.

This week, when you hear the words
‘Behold the Lamb of God’,
remember:

Jesus loves you.
Jesus forgives you.
Jesus wants you to follow Him.

Let’s go back now and listen for Him together.”

Make the Sign of the Cross and return to the assembly.