The refrain for next Sunday's Responsorial Psalm calls for a response to our listening for God’s voice: “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” Read Psalm 95:1-9. As we reach the end of Psalm 95 we hear that even those who see God’s works can struggle to really hear God’s voice. How can you listen for God this week? Make a list of ten “works” of God or ways He speaks to you. Maybe He speaks through creation or someone in your life. Be specific about who or what reveals God's Word to you. Perhaps you would like to turn this Psalm response into a short prayer which you could pray each day asking Him to help you to listen for His voice and then act on His Word.
Level II (1st-2nd) The Precious Pearl The Parable of the Precious Pearl (Matthew 13:45-46) is another familiar Scripture. Read this passage and recall the beauty and value of the pearl as well as the joy it brings the merchant to have this one pearl. He is so ready and willing to give all that he has for it! Read the parable again. Who do you think the merchant really is? Who or who might the pearl be? How could selling everything bring the merchant such joy? What is Jesus telling you about His Kingdom? Draw what you picture when you think about the Kingdom of God. | Level III (3rd-6th) The Pearl of Great Price Start by reading and pondering the Scripture passage and questions for the Level II children. Do you know how a pearl is formed? Do you know what an oyster shell looks like? How many shells might need to be opened to find a pearl? How about to find a pearl of great price? If needed, do a bit of research. How might your findings help you ponder this parable in a new way? Read the Scripture again and write down how one might seek this pearl, what it would take to find it, and what it would be like to have it. Feel free to draw what you are picturing about the Kingdom of God as well. |