PARENTS MEET THE EASTER CELEBRATION READING OF THE GOSPEL: The Passion according to John (The text is quite long. One may prefer to read the version for children that will be read during the celebration, see the text in the message "Holy Week celebration.")
1) The Passion of John emphasizes that Jesus freely accepts his death. What elements of the story show us?
Jesus walk toward death with serenity and majesty because it is his time. "My life, nobody takes me but I divested myself" (Jn 10:18). He knows what will happen. It takes time to give his final instructions to the disciples. He entrusts his mother to John. He went himself to meet those who come to arrest him. He asked Peter to put down his sword ... no doubt Jesus in the Gospel of John. He has full confidence in God.
With Children, Let's leave aside the nails and thorns to show that Jesus did not experience these events, but accepts his death freely and with love. In his last week he took time to pose grand gestures: the washing of feet, sharing bread and wine, the gift of life on the cross. Holy Week included them in the liturgy. Take advantage of it to live in community with our children.
2) Why they killed Jesus?
John's Gospel shows us that the Romans were blind instruments. It shows why the opponents of Jesus have called for his death "He must die because he made himself the Son of God" (Jn 19.7). Those who condemned Jesus refuse to accept his message. They accuse him of being the friend of sinners. They condemn it out of pride and jealousy.
With children, the question "Why they killed Jesus? "Is frequently asked. Children experience the death of Jesus as an injustice. We can simply explain to them, as they are small, that Jesus had enemies who refused to believe in him.
But never forget to link the Passion of Jesus in his Resurrection. The resurrection illuminates our understanding and reveals the meaning of words and actions misunderstood "You'll understand later," Jesus said to Peter, who does not understand why he wants to wash his feet (Jn 13.7). The death of Jesus is not a failure. It should be read as a source of life. In raising Jesus, God shows us that life and love are stronger than death and hate.
3) Should we speak of the cross?
For Christians, the cross is not only an object of punishment. On the cross Jesus has freely agreed to give his life for love for all men. The cross bears life: the one crucified on Good Friday is the Risen Easter morning!
With Children. us introduce the cross as a sign of Jesus' love for us.