(For the Children’s Mass today.)

St. Paul is talking to the presbyters. A presbyter is another name for priest.

So, he is talking to the priests. He’s telling them that they need to take care of all people. And they need to take care of the Church that was given to them by Jesus. St Paul is very sad because he knows very soon, he will be going to Rome and there they will kill him. He will be a very important martyr for the Church.

From the time Jesus spoke to Paul, he has worked very hard to teach people about Jesus. Paul is extremely sad that he must leave. He wants his priests to promise to take care of the people and the Church. As Paul was leaving many people were weeping and hugging knowing they will not see Paul again. It was a very sad day.

Jesus is sad, too. We heard last Sunday that he ascended to the Father. It was a day of sadness for the disciples. I think Jesus may have been very happy because He is finally going home too. But Jesus worried about all the people He is leaving behind.

He is asking His disciples to take care of the people just as He did. Both Paul and Jesus have a great love for the people and worried for their safety. So, what are they afraid of?

They are worried about the Big Bad Wolf. Maybe you know this bad guy?

He has bad breath because the words he uses are not good words. He has big yellow teeth because sometimes his words bite, and they hurt when we hear them. He has big claws because he likes to hurt people and he acts like a bully.

Jesus teaches to stay on the path and not to wander off. To spend time in prayer and reading the Bible. He also wants us to be a family and help each other. In this way we can stay clear of the Big Bad Wolf. When you are away from school this summer remember to do what Jesus teaches us to do.

Remember to come to mass on Sunday. Remember your prayers. May you all have a blessed summer.

May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen