Children’s Liturgy of the Word

First Sunday of Lent (Year A)
Theme: Jesus Shows Us How to Choose God

---

1. Welcome & Gathering

(Gather the children in a quiet space. Place a Bible or cross in the centre.)

Leader:

“Today we begin a special time in the Church called Lent.”

Pause.

“It is a time to listen to God,
to learn how to choose what is right,
and to follow Jesus more closely.”

Make the Sign of the Cross together.

“In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.”

Leader:

“Jesus,
help us to listen to Your word
and to learn Your way.
Amen.”

---

2. Introducing the Theme

Ask:

“Have you ever had to choose between
doing the right thing
and doing the easy thing?”

(Let a few children answer.)

Say:

“Every day we make choices.
Some choices help us love God.
Some choices pull us away from God.”

“In today’s Gospel,
Jesus has to make a choice.”

“He chooses God.”

---

3. Gospel (Simplified – Matthew 4:1–11)

(Read slowly and clearly.)

Jesus went into the desert to pray.
He was very hungry.

The devil said to Him:

“Turn these stones into bread.”

But Jesus said:

“God’s word is more important than food.”

Then the devil said:

“Jump down and let God save You.”

But Jesus said:

“We do not test God.
We trust Him.”

Then the devil showed Jesus many kingdoms and said:

“I will give you all this
if you worship me.”

But Jesus said:

“We worship only God.”

And the devil left Him.

Leader:
“The Gospel of the Lord.”

Children:
“Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.”

---

4. Reflection

Ask:

“Was Jesus hungry?”
(Yes.)

“Did He use His power for Himself?”
(No.)

Ask:

“Who was Jesus choosing —
Himself
or God?”

(God.)

Say:

“Jesus shows us how to say no
to what is wrong
and yes
to God.”

Explain simply:

“The devil wanted Jesus
to think only about Himself.

Jesus chose to obey God instead.”

“This is what Lent is for —
to help us choose God
more often.”

Connect to the First Reading:

“In the first reading,
Adam and Eve made a bad choice.
They did not listen to God.

Jesus makes a good choice.
He listens to God.”

Say clearly:

“Adam said no to God.
Jesus said yes to God.”

---

5. Activity – Good Choice or Bad Choice

Leader gives examples.
Children show thumbs up for a good choice,
thumbs down for a bad choice.

Examples:

Telling the truth
Sharing
Being cruel
Saying sorry
Refusing to forgive
Helping someone
Lying

Say:

“Every good choice
is a way of following Jesus.”

---

6. Quiet Prayer

Ask children to place a hand on their heart.

Leader:

“Jesus,
help me choose what is right.”

Pause.

“Help me say no to what is wrong.”

Pause.

“Help me follow You.”

---

7. Living the Gospel This Week

Ask:

“What is one good choice
you can make this week?”

Offer examples:

Being kind
Telling the truth
Saying sorry
Helping at home
Praying each day

Say:

“Lent is not about being perfect.
It is about trying again
and choosing God.”

---

8. Closing Prayer

Leader:

“Jesus,
You chose God
even when it was hard.

Help us to choose what is right,
to trust God,
and to follow You every day.
Amen.”

---

9. Sending Back

Leader:

“Today Jesus showed us
how to choose God.”

“When we go back to Mass,
let us remember:

Jesus helps us choose what is right.”

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