Children’s Homily Songs

Shine Like the Sun (Second Sunday of Lent)

Catechist lesson toolbox
—to help children understand the glory of Jesus and the importance of listening to Him.

1. Opening Song: "Shine Like the Sun" (Transfiguration Version)
Lyrics: Use the custom lyrics you provided (Chorus and Verses 1-3).

Why it fits: The lyrics follow the narrative of Matthew 17:1-9 exactly, moving from the climb to the mountaintop to the appearance of Moses and Elijah and the voice of God.

Actions: * "Shine like the sun": Circle arms overhead.

"Listen to Him": Cup hands behind ears.

"No fear": Shake head and hands "no."

Engagement: After the final "Hip-hip-hooray!", ask the children: "If you saw someone suddenly start glowing as bright as the sun, what would your face look like?" (Encourage them to make surprised/awed faces).

2. Bible Reading & Summary
Scripture: Matthew 17:1–9 (ICB/Children’s Version)

Summary: (see Bible)

Adaptation:

Younger (Pre-K/K): Focus on the "Bright Light" and the "Cloud." Use a flashlight to show how Jesus’ glory was like a spotlight.

Older (Grades 3-5): Explain that Moses represented the Law and Elijah the Prophets, showing that Jesus is the fulfillment of all God's promises.

3. Biblical Connection & Key Faith Point
The Big Idea: Jesus is not just a teacher; He is the Son of God filled with heavenly glory.

Faith Points:

The Transfiguration: This event showed the disciples who Jesus really is before the difficult days of the Cross.

"Listen to Him": This is God the Father’s only command in this passage. We listen to Jesus through the Bible and prayer.

Mountain Moments: Just as Jesus went up the mountain to be with God, we can find quiet places to grow closer to Him.

Adaptation:

Younger: Focus on the word "Obey"—listening to Jesus because He loves us.

Older: Connect the "White Clothes" to our own Baptismal garments.

4. Discussion Suggestions for Children
Questions:

Why do you think Jesus took His friends to the top of a mountain instead of a busy city?

How would you feel if you saw Jesus glowing like the sun?

See youtube channel to see all the instructions.https://www.youtube.com/

Jesus Says ‘No Way! (First Sunday of Lent)

"Jesus says, 'No way!"

Toolbox

1. Opening Song Evaluation
Song provided: "Jesus Says' No Way!"

Theological Fit: Excellent. It emphasizes Jesus’ True Humanity (He was hungry/felt "blue") and His True Divinity (He wins because He is God's Son). It correctly identifies the Devil as "sneaky"—reminding children of the subtlety of sin (CCC 391).

Pedagogy: The "No Way!" response mirrors the Renunciation of Sin found in our Baptismal promises.

2. Bible Reading & Summary
Scripture: Matthew 4:1–11

Refinement: In Catholic teaching, it’s vital to note that Jesus was "led by the Spirit" into the desert. This wasn't an accident; it was a preparation for His mission.

Summary: After His Baptism, Jesus went into the desert to pray. Even though He is God, He chose to feel hungry and tired just like us. The devil tried to make Him choose "easy things" instead of "holy things." Jesus answered every trick with words from the Bible. By saying "No" to the devil, Jesus stayed perfectly faithful to God the Father.

3. Biblical Connection & Key Faith Point
The New Adam: Where the first Adam gave in to temptation in a garden, Jesus (the New Adam) overcomes it in a desert (CCC 504).

Redemption of Will: Jesus’ "No way" to the devil is His "Yes" to the Father's will. This is how He began to save us.

The Three Concupiscences: Catholic theology often links these three temptations to the "lust of the flesh" (bread), the "pride of life" (jumping/testing God), and the "lust of the eyes" (kingdoms/power) (1 John 2:16).

Lenten Connection: This story is the reason we observe the 40 Days of Lent—fasting and praying just like Jesus.

The Big Idea: Jesus didn't just win for Himself; He gives us His grace so we can win against temptation too.

4. Discussion Suggestions for Children
Why did Jesus go to the desert to pray before He started His big job of teaching? (Preparation).

The devil tried to use God's words in a sneaky way. Why is it important to listen to the Church to understand what the Bible really means?

In Verse 3, Jesus says God is the "only one." What are some "idols" (things we love more than God) today? (Video games, being popular, etc.)

(more ideas https://www.youtube.com/

A Little Cross of Gray (Ash Wednesday)

This gentle song serves as a child-friendly introduction to the Lenten season. It focuses on the transition from winter to spring, using the "little cross of gray" as a symbol of God's presence and a commitment to personal growth. Rather than focusing on somber themes, the lyrics emphasize kindness, prayer, and "planting seeds" of love to prepare for Easter.

(Verse 1)
The winter’s fading fast now, spring is on its way,
We gather in the morning on this quiet Ash Wednesday.
Last year’s palms have crumbled into dusty, ashen sand,
To trace a little mark of love held gently in our hand.
(Chorus)
It’s just a little cross of gray,
To start our journey on this day.
A time to pray, a time to grow,
And plant the seeds in rows below.
Forty days of being kind,
With peaceful hearts and steady minds.
(Verse 2)
It might look a bit messy, a little like the dirt,
But it’s a sign that God is close whenever we feel hurt.
It whispers we’re made of stardust, formed from simple clay,
It shows the world we’re choosing love in all we do and say.
(Bridge)
We’re setting down the candy, we’re reaching for a prayer,
We’re watching for our neighbors who could use a little care.
It’s not about being sad or staying locked away,
It’s readying the garden for the bright Easter day!
(Chorus – Repeat)
(Outro)
Remember you are loved, my child,
From the dust beneath your feet
Up to the shining stars above—
God’s love will always keep.
Remember you are loved...
From the dust up to the stars.

Age/Grade: 6–8 years old / 1st–3rd grade
This gentle, joyful lesson uses the song to introduce Ash Wednesday and Lent as a positive "journey" of growth, kindness, prayer, and preparing our hearts (like a garden) for Easter joy. It emphasizes God's loving presence in the ashes—reminding children they are made from dust/clay yet loved "up to the stars"—while reframing Lent away from sadness toward hopeful actions. Designed for 45–60 minutes in Sunday school, CCD, or faith formation.

# # About the gospel song

This high-energy song emphasizes that while people focus on outward appearances like fashion or status, God prioritizes an individual’s internal character and intentions. Through the metaphors of "X-ray goggles" and a "remote control" for free will, the lyrics encourage children to use their autonomy to choose kindness and "holy living" even when no one is watching. Ultimately, the message is that "The Real You" is defined by your inner thoughts and heart rather than your external "style," urging listeners to keep their private intentions as bright and sincere as their public actions.

# Catechist Toolbox: Teaching "Inside You" – God's View of the Heart

This toolbox is designed for catechists to use the high-energy children's song "Inside You." As a fun, engaging way to teach kids about how God values our inner character over outward appearances. The song draws from biblical truths like 1 Samuel 16:7 ("People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart") and emphasizes free will, kindness, and holy living. It's ideal for elementary-aged children (ages 6-12) in catechism classes, vacation Bible school, or youth groups. Use the song to start or end a lesson, incorporating movement, singing, and discussion to make the message stick.

# # Full Lyrics
(Play the video for the upbeat tune and encourage kids to dance or act out the actions, like pretending to put on "X-ray goggles" or hold a "remote control.")

ALL RIGHT, TEAM. PUT ON YOUR X-RAY GOGGLES.
People see your shoes. People see your face.
But God sees a secret special place. Let's go.

You got a remote control in your hand.
The best free will in all the land.
You can choose the fire or choose the cool.
You're the boss of you at home and school.

God says I will pull your strings today.
You pick the right and the kindest way.
God to share. It's a wisdom power that's hidden in there.

You don't need a trophy or a PhD
to the holy life. You see,
God looks past the surface.
God looks past the style.
He's looking at your intentions.
He's looking at your smile.

It's not about the outside or what the world can see.
The real you is the inside you.
And that's the place to be. And that's the place to be.

Don't just look good for the camera, cheese.
God sees the stuff that no one sees.
Don't just act nice when a teacher is near.
Keep your inside thoughts bright and clear.

No grumpy hearts, no mean word blues.
That's the kind of POWER THAT GOD CAN USE.
The real you,
the inside you.

# # Biblical Connection
- **Key Verse:** 1 Samuel 16:7 – Read this aloud before or after the song. Explain how God chose David as king not because he looked strong or important on the outside, but because his heart was right with God.
- **Other Ties:** Link to the Greatest Commandment (Matthew 22:37-39) – loving God and others with your whole heart. Discuss free will as a gift from God, like in Deuteronomy 30:19 ("Choose life").

# # Discussion Questions
Use these to spark conversation after singing. Start with whole-group sharing, then break into small groups for deeper talks.
1. What do people usually notice about you first (like clothes or hair)? How is that different from what God sees?
2. What does the "remote control" in the song mean? Give an example of a time you chose to be kind when no one was watching.
3. Why does God care more about our "inside" thoughts and feelings? How can we make our hearts "bright and clear"?
4. The song says "God sees the stuff that no one sees." Does that make you feel happy, scared, or something else? Why?
5. How can we use our "power" (like in the song) to live like Jesus, even at home or school?

# # Activities and Games
- **X-Ray Goggles Craft and Role-Play:** Give kids paper plates, markers, and string to make pretend "X-ray goggles." Have them wear them and act out scenarios (e.g., someone looks mean but has a kind heart, or vice versa). Discuss how God sees the real story.
- **Remote Control Freeze Dance:** Play the song and have kids dance freely. When you pause it and yell "Remote control!", they freeze and shout a kind choice (e.g., "Share my toys!"). Resume dancing. Tie it to using free will for good.
- **Heart Mirror Activity:** Provide heart-shaped cutouts and mirrors. Kids draw or write on one side what people see (outward traits) and on the other what God sees (inner qualities like kindness). Use mirrors to "look inside" themselves.
- **Inside/Outside Sorting Game:** Prepare cards with actions or traits (e.g., "wearing cool shoes," "helping a friend secretly"). Kids sort them into "outside" (what people see) or "inside" (what God sees). Award points for holy choices.

# # Craft Ideas
- **Heart Remote Control:** Kids decorate a paper "remote" with buttons labeled "Kind Words," "Share," "Pray," etc. Glue Bible verse on the back. They take it home as a reminder to "control" their choices.
- **Inside You Poster:** In groups, create posters with the song's chorus in the center. Around it, draw X-ray views of hearts filled with good intentions (smiles, helping hands). Hang in the classroom.

# # Prayer and Reflection
End the lesson with a group prayer: "Dear God, thank You for seeing the real us inside. Help us use our remote control to choose kindness every day, even when no one is looking. Make our hearts bright like Yours. Amen."

Encourage kids to listen to the song at home and journal one "inside" good choice they made each day. This toolbox can be adapted for different group sizes or time frames – start with the song to energize, then dive into teaching!

Don't Hide the Light (Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A)

Little Mary's Big Call

Little Mary's Big Call (Karaoke)