The Pearl of Great Price

Last week in Faith Formation, the students began exploring the Parables of the Kingdom of Heaven with the first lesson: The Merchant and the Pearl of Great Price. We present these parables to young children because they speak to the deep spiritual truths that children can grasp in a way that is unique to their stage of development. For young children who learn through concrete experiences and rich imagery, these parables plant seeds of faith that will grow as they mature. By presenting these parables before Lent, we prepare to enter into the season with hearts open to the themes of repentance, renewal, and the deep love of God that is central to the season.
The students listened to Matthew 13:45-46 and shared their thoughts on what makes the Kingdom of Heaven so precious. We considered the merchant’s joy in giving up everything for the pearl and how we, too, are invited to seek God wholeheartedly.

The class also enjoyed hands-on activities, including examining pearl-like beads, creating a pearl-in-shell craft, and making beaded bracelets to remind us of our own search for God’s Kingdom.