The Gospels of Summer
Jack Miffleton
Between Pentecost Sunday and the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), many religious education programs and children’s Liturgy of the Word ministries close down for the summer. By the beginning of June traditional nine-month parochial schools are graduating their eighth grade classes and are preparing to send the other students home for summer vacation. Even though some Catholic parishes are providing summer Bible programs for a week or two, a child’s regular link to the Sunday liturgies through Lectionary-based catechesis is often interrupted for these months. This is the time when parents have to step up and religious education directors can provide some liturgical direction for the parents through the summer.
Adults enjoy visiting zoos and many grown-ups love amusement parks. Taking children along often provides a ready excuse for adults to participate in such childlike fun. Likewise, the efforts of parents to keep their children spiritually focused and aware can benefit the entire family, adults and teens as well. Adult attention to mealtime prayers and to the liturgical seasons for the sake of the children is a benefit to all. Families should be thankful for the years when they have a child present to lead them.
In Year A of Lectionary readings for the summer months there are many well-known stories from the Gospel of Matthew. Many of them concern discipleship and the kingdom of God and can be made accessible to children. Parents can take the responsibility of looking ahead, preparing children and readying them for the hearing of these stories of our faith. Key phrases and images can be reinforced.
I’ve prepared a list of the summer Sundays and Holy Days (June through August) with a brief preview and a Gospel image or phrase that may help children and parents in their preparation for celebrating these liturgies. See Mary Catherine Berglund’s comprehensive resource, Gather the Children, Third Edition (Year. A). It contains numerous ideas, activities, and projects for every Sunday of the year and for all three years.
July 3: Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 11:25–30)
Jesus prays and thanks the Father because many simple people who have the trusting heart of a child have received and accepted Jesus’ words of comfort and kindness.
July 10: Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 13:1–23 or 13:1–9)
The meaning of the parable of the sower and the seed is explained in the longer version of this Gospel, but children can be assured that the good seed—the mission of Jesus to be loving and caring and the reign of God on earth—will grow into strong plants even though there are sometimes weeds, rocks, and thorns in the way.
July 17: Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 13:24–43 or 13:24–30)
In another story of farming problems, Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven as a field where wheat and weeds grow together and are separated only at harvest time. Tell children that Jesus uses little stories such as this to help them know that God is working in them, helping them grow into good and loving members of his Church.
July 24: Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 13:44–52 or 13:44–46)
In these brief parables Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to hidden treasure and fine pearls, and he suggests what one might do if he or she found such a treasure. When one finds God’s love through Christ, one finds such a treasure!
July 31: Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 14:13–21)
Young Children may not relate this Gospel to the Eucharist, but they will easily follow the compelling story of Jesus healing the sick and telling his parables to a great crowd. As it grew late the disciples were worried that the people were hungry, but Jesus took the available food, five loaves and two fish. He thanked God, blessed and broke the bread. The disciples gave it to the people. After all had eaten there were twelve baskets remaining.
August 7: Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 14:22–33)
Jesus walks on water. “It’s a ghost!” said the disciples in fear. “It is I,” said Jesus. They believed in him and knew he was from God.
August 14: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 15:21–28)
Because of her faith, Jesus listens to a woman who was not Jewish (as was Jesus) and he heals her daughter. Clearly, Jesus wants the good news of God’s saving love spread to all people.
August 15: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Luke 1:39–56)
In the Gospel, journey with Mary’s to the hill country to visit Elizabeth. We then hear Mary’s ultimate “yes” to God in her “Magnificat.” Can we grow in our willingness to say “yes” to God?
August 21: Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 16:13–20)
Jesus calls Peter a “rock.” This is what his new name means. Jesus makes Peter the head of the Church and gives him the “keys of the kingdom of heaven” as a symbol of Peter’s authority.
August 28: Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 16:21–27)
The disciples first thought Jesus was going to be a powerful king on earth like other kings, but in this Gospel, the disciples learn that he must suffer, die and rise, and that his kingdom is not of this world.
Jack Miffleton is a teacher and musician. His songs are sung in classrooms and churches around the world. He is theological consultant and music director for the I Am Special program published by OSV Publications. He teaches music at Saint Jarlath School in Oakland, California, is married and has a grown son.
Adults enjoy visiting zoos and many grown-ups love amusement parks. Taking children along often provides a ready excuse for adults to participate in such childlike fun. Likewise, the efforts of parents to keep their children spiritually focused and aware can benefit the entire family, adults and teens as well. Adult attention to mealtime prayers and to the liturgical seasons for the sake of the children is a benefit to all. Families should be thankful for the years when they have a child present to lead them.
In Year A of Lectionary readings for the summer months there are many well-known stories from the Gospel of Matthew. Many of them concern discipleship and the kingdom of God and can be made accessible to children. Parents can take the responsibility of looking ahead, preparing children and readying them for the hearing of these stories of our faith. Key phrases and images can be reinforced.
I’ve prepared a list of the summer Sundays and Holy Days (June through August) with a brief preview and a Gospel image or phrase that may help children and parents in their preparation for celebrating these liturgies. See Mary Catherine Berglund’s comprehensive resource, Gather the Children, Third Edition (Year. A). It contains numerous ideas, activities, and projects for every Sunday of the year and for all three years.
July 3: Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 11:25–30)
Jesus prays and thanks the Father because many simple people who have the trusting heart of a child have received and accepted Jesus’ words of comfort and kindness.
July 10: Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 13:1–23 or 13:1–9)
The meaning of the parable of the sower and the seed is explained in the longer version of this Gospel, but children can be assured that the good seed—the mission of Jesus to be loving and caring and the reign of God on earth—will grow into strong plants even though there are sometimes weeds, rocks, and thorns in the way.
July 17: Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 13:24–43 or 13:24–30)
In another story of farming problems, Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven as a field where wheat and weeds grow together and are separated only at harvest time. Tell children that Jesus uses little stories such as this to help them know that God is working in them, helping them grow into good and loving members of his Church.
July 24: Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 13:44–52 or 13:44–46)
In these brief parables Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to hidden treasure and fine pearls, and he suggests what one might do if he or she found such a treasure. When one finds God’s love through Christ, one finds such a treasure!
July 31: Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 14:13–21)
Young Children may not relate this Gospel to the Eucharist, but they will easily follow the compelling story of Jesus healing the sick and telling his parables to a great crowd. As it grew late the disciples were worried that the people were hungry, but Jesus took the available food, five loaves and two fish. He thanked God, blessed and broke the bread. The disciples gave it to the people. After all had eaten there were twelve baskets remaining.
August 7: Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 14:22–33)
Jesus walks on water. “It’s a ghost!” said the disciples in fear. “It is I,” said Jesus. They believed in him and knew he was from God.
August 14: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 15:21–28)
Because of her faith, Jesus listens to a woman who was not Jewish (as was Jesus) and he heals her daughter. Clearly, Jesus wants the good news of God’s saving love spread to all people.
August 15: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Luke 1:39–56)
In the Gospel, journey with Mary’s to the hill country to visit Elizabeth. We then hear Mary’s ultimate “yes” to God in her “Magnificat.” Can we grow in our willingness to say “yes” to God?
August 21: Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 16:13–20)
Jesus calls Peter a “rock.” This is what his new name means. Jesus makes Peter the head of the Church and gives him the “keys of the kingdom of heaven” as a symbol of Peter’s authority.
August 28: Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 16:21–27)
The disciples first thought Jesus was going to be a powerful king on earth like other kings, but in this Gospel, the disciples learn that he must suffer, die and rise, and that his kingdom is not of this world.
Jack Miffleton is a teacher and musician. His songs are sung in classrooms and churches around the world. He is theological consultant and music director for the I Am Special program published by OSV Publications. He teaches music at Saint Jarlath School in Oakland, California, is married and has a grown son.
| Title | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Book Softcover | |||
| 6133 | Gather the Children Year A, Third Edition | $21.00 | Add to Cart |
Related Year A: Lent / Easter / Ordinary Time Articles:
Gather the Children
Offers assistance for adults who proclaim God's word to children from pre-school through grade six, with activities ranging from story-telling and singing to gesture, drama, group readings and art projects.
Offers assistance for adults who proclaim God's word to children from pre-school through grade six, with activities ranging from story-telling and singing to gesture, drama, group readings and art projects.