Pray Along Tenebrae (For Kids and Families)
In this Juice Box episode, kids and parents will learn what Tenebrae is, what the candles mean, and how this quiet Holy Week prayer helps our hearts remember Jesus’ love all the way to the Cross.
What is Tenebrae and Why Is It Important for Kids?
Tenebrae is a special Holy Week prayer service that helps us “feel” the story of Jesus’ Passion. The word Tenebrae means darkness or shadows, and the prayer is usually done on Holy Thursday or Good Friday.
During Tenebrae, we light candles and listen to readings about what Jesus suffered. After each reading, we extinguish one candle, and the room gets darker and darker, like how the world felt darker as Jesus was rejected, hurt, and crucified.
At the end, one candle is not destroyed. It may be hidden for a moment, but it stays lit because the Light of Christ is never destroyed, even when it feels hidden.
For kids, Tenebrae teaches that Jesus stayed faithful in the darkest moment and that even when life feels scary or sad, God’s light is still real and Easter hope is on the way.
Key Takeaways
- Tenebrae is a Holy Week prayer that uses candles + Scripture + silence to help us remember Jesus’ love and suffering.
- Each candle going out shows how things felt darker and darker as Jesus was rejected, mocked, and hurt.
- Jesus stays calm and faithful even when He’s blamed unfairly, and He doesn’t fight back with hate.
- Simon helping carry the cross reminds us: sometimes we need help, and sometimes we’re called to help someone else.
- One candle is never destroyed (even if it’s hidden), teaching that Jesus is still the Light, even when we can’t see it.
- The moral is simple: when darkness shows up, we don’t panic, we stay close to Jesus, pray, and trust that His light will win.
Episode Summary
Tenebrae is one of the quietest prayers of Holy Week, and that’s kind of the point. Fr. Tim explains that during Holy Week, the Church gets slower and more serious, because we’re remembering how much Jesus loves us all the way to the Cross.
In this family version of Tenebrae, you light candles and hear the Passion story in small parts. After each reading, a candle is extinguished. The room gets darker, and the silence gets deeper, helping kids understand that Jesus’ suffering was real.
The prayer also includes moments that kids can connect to: being blamed for something you didn’t do, feeling pressure to follow the crowd, watching someone get hurt, needing help carrying hard things, and feeling afraid in the dark.
At the end, the final candle is not destroyed. It may be hidden, but it returns still burning. Then the family prays together: “Christ be our Light.” Tenebrae helps kids feel the sadness of Good Friday so the joy of Easter shines even brighter.
Episode Highlights
- 0:00 – What Is Tenebrae
- 1:08 – Beginning Prayer
- 1:36 – Candle 1: Jesus Before Pilate
- 2:51 – Candle 2: The Sentence of Death
- 4:34 – Candle 3: Mockery by the Soldiers
- 5:50 – Candle 4: The Way of the Cross
- 6:30 – Candle 5: The Crucifixion
- 8:18 – Candle 6: The Death of Jesus
- 10:11 – Candle 7: Burial of Jesus
- 11:30 – Strepitus (Loud Noise)
- 12:24 – Litany Of Light
Transcript
[00:00:00 --> 00:00:02] Today, I want to pray with you
[00:00:02 --> 00:00:06] a very very special prayer called Tenebrae.
[00:00:07 --> 00:00:10] Tenebrae means darkness and shadow.
[00:00:10 --> 00:00:13] During this prayer, we light candles,
[00:00:13 --> 00:00:16] and then after we do a reading,
[00:00:16 --> 00:00:18] we extinguish one of the candles.
[00:00:18 --> 00:00:20] The room gets darker and darker
[00:00:20 --> 00:00:23] after each candle is extinguished.
[00:00:23 --> 00:00:28] And that reminds us how the world got darker and darker
[00:00:28 --> 00:00:32] as Jesus suffered and died for us.
[00:00:32 --> 00:00:34] So amidst all the other candles going out,
[00:00:34 --> 00:00:38] one candle remains, the light of Jesus.
[00:00:38 --> 00:00:43] So today, we are going to use seven different candles
[00:00:43 --> 00:00:46] and we're going to read from the Gospel of Mark.
[00:00:46 --> 00:00:50] So my invitation for all of us is to quiet down
[00:00:50 --> 00:00:55] and prepare our hearts to really pay attention to Jesus.
[00:00:55 --> 00:00:57] JuiceBox! (chuckles)
[00:00:57 --> 00:01:00] (solemn music)
[00:01:07 --> 00:01:09] In the name of the Father, and of the Son,
[00:01:09 --> 00:01:11] and of the Holy Spirit.
[00:01:11 --> 00:01:12] Amen.
[00:01:12 --> 00:01:16] Grace to you and peace from God our Father
[00:01:16 --> 00:01:18] and the Lord Jesus Christ.
[00:01:18 --> 00:01:19] Amen.
[00:01:19 --> 00:01:22] Blessed be the name of the Lord our God-
[00:01:22 --> 00:01:24] Who redeems us from sin and death.
[00:01:24 --> 00:01:27] For us and for our salvation,
[00:01:27 --> 00:01:31] Christ became obedient unto death even death on a cross.
[00:01:31 --> 00:01:34] Blessed be the name of the Lord.
[00:01:34 --> 00:01:36] (solemn music)
[00:01:36 --> 00:01:38] As soon as morning came,
[00:01:38 --> 00:01:41] the chief priests with the elders and the scribes,
[00:01:41 --> 00:01:45] that is the whole Sanhedrin, held a Council.
[00:01:45 --> 00:01:48] They bound Jesus, led him away,
[00:01:48 --> 00:01:50] and handed him over to Pilate.
[00:01:51 --> 00:01:55] Pilate questioned him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"
[00:01:56 --> 00:02:00] He said to him in reply, "You say so."
[00:02:01 --> 00:02:05] The chief priests accused him of many things.
[00:02:05 --> 00:02:09] Again Pilate questioned him, "Have you no answer?
[00:02:09 --> 00:02:12] See how many things they accuse you of."
[00:02:13 --> 00:02:17] Jesus gave him no further answer, so the Pilate was amazed.
[00:02:18 --> 00:02:23] So Jesus was accused for something he did not do.
[00:02:23 --> 00:02:25] Boys and girls, have you ever experienced that?
[00:02:25 --> 00:02:28] Being accused of something that you didn't do?
[00:02:28 --> 00:02:31] Jesus knows how that feels.
[00:02:31 --> 00:02:33] And so you can give that to him.
[00:02:33 --> 00:02:36] You can tell Jesus about it because he knows.
[00:02:36 --> 00:02:41] ♪ At the cross her station keeping ♪
[00:02:41 --> 00:02:46] ♪ Stood a mournful mother weeping ♪
[00:02:46 --> 00:02:50] ♪ Where he hung the dying Lord ♪
[00:02:51 --> 00:02:53] Now on the occasion of the feast,
[00:02:53 --> 00:02:58] he used to release them one prisoner whom they requested.
[00:02:58 --> 00:03:01] A man called Barabbas was then in prison along
[00:03:01 --> 00:03:04] with the rebels who had committed murder in a rebellion.
[00:03:05 --> 00:03:09] The crowd came forward and began to ask him to do for them
[00:03:09 --> 00:03:10] as he was accustomed.
[00:03:12 --> 00:03:14] Pilate answered,
[00:03:14 --> 00:03:18] "Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?"
[00:03:18 --> 00:03:20] For he knew that it was out of envy
[00:03:20 --> 00:03:23] that the chief priests had handed him over.
[00:03:23 --> 00:03:25] But the chief priests stirred up the crowd
[00:03:25 --> 00:03:28] to have him release Barabbas for them instead.
[00:03:28 --> 00:03:30] Pilate again said to them in reply,
[00:03:30 --> 00:03:32] "Then what do you want me to do
[00:03:32 --> 00:03:36] with the man you call the king of the Jews?"
[00:03:36 --> 00:03:39] They shouted again, "Crucify him!"
[00:03:39 --> 00:03:43] Pilate said to them, "Why, what evil has he done?"
[00:03:45 --> 00:03:48] They only shouted the louder, "Crucify him!"
[00:03:49 --> 00:03:52] So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd,
[00:03:52 --> 00:03:57] released Barabbas to them, and after he had Jesus scourged,
[00:03:57 --> 00:03:59] handed him over to be crucified.
[00:04:01 --> 00:04:06] The crowd shouted at Jesus, "Crucify him, crucify him,"
[00:04:07 --> 00:04:09] when Jesus didn't do anything wrong.
[00:04:10 --> 00:04:14] Have you ever joined the crowd in doing something
[00:04:14 --> 00:04:18] that you shouldn't have done that you knew wasn't right?
[00:04:19 --> 00:04:24] ♪ Deep the war of her affliction ♪
[00:04:24 --> 00:04:29] ♪ When she saw the crucifixion ♪
[00:04:29 --> 00:04:32] ♪ Of the sole-begotten one ♪
[00:04:33 --> 00:04:37] The soldiers led him away inside the palace that is,
[00:04:37 --> 00:04:41] the praetorium, and assembled the whole cohort.
[00:04:41 --> 00:04:45] They clothed him in purple and weaving a crown of thorns,
[00:04:45 --> 00:04:46] placed it on him.
[00:04:47 --> 00:04:52] They began to salute him with, "Hail, King of the Jews,"
[00:04:52 --> 00:04:54] and kept striking his head with a reed
[00:04:54 --> 00:04:59] and spitting upon him, they knelt before him in homage.
[00:05:00 --> 00:05:02] And when they had mocked him,
[00:05:02 --> 00:05:04] they stripped him of the purple cloak,
[00:05:04 --> 00:05:07] dressed him in his own clothes,
[00:05:07 --> 00:05:09] and led him out to crucify him.
[00:05:11 --> 00:05:14] Boys and girls, Jesus was mocked.
[00:05:14 --> 00:05:17] Jesus was made fun of.
[00:05:17 --> 00:05:20] Have you ever been mocked or made fun of?
[00:05:20 --> 00:05:23] Jesus knows how that feels.
[00:05:23 --> 00:05:27] And he wants to be with you when you are mocked
[00:05:27 --> 00:05:29] and when you are made fun of.
[00:05:29 --> 00:05:31] And you can always go to him
[00:05:31 --> 00:05:33] because he knows what that feels like.
[00:05:35 --> 00:05:39] ♪ Him who sought for our salvation ♪
[00:05:39 --> 00:05:44] ♪ Marked with cruel acclamation ♪
[00:05:44 --> 00:05:49] ♪ Scourged and crowned with thorns entwined ♪
[00:05:49 --> 00:05:54] They pressed into service a passer by, Simon, a Cyrenian,
[00:05:54 --> 00:05:56] who was coming in from the country,
[00:05:56 --> 00:06:00] the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.
[00:06:00 --> 00:06:03] So Jesus needs help.
[00:06:03 --> 00:06:06] And so Simon is called out of the crowd
[00:06:06 --> 00:06:08] to help him in his struggle.
[00:06:08 --> 00:06:10] Have you ever needed help?
[00:06:10 --> 00:06:14] And have you ever felt the desire to help others?
[00:06:16 --> 00:06:20] ♪ Saw him then from judgment taken ♪
[00:06:20 --> 00:06:24] ♪ And in death by all forsaken ♪
[00:06:24 --> 00:06:28] ♪ Till his spirit he reside ♪
[00:06:29 --> 00:06:31] They brought him to the place of Golgotha,
[00:06:31 --> 00:06:35] which is translated, "Place of the Skull."
[00:06:35 --> 00:06:38] They gave him wine, drugged with myrrh,
[00:06:38 --> 00:06:40] but he did not take it.
[00:06:40 --> 00:06:43] Then they crucified him and divided his garments
[00:06:43 --> 00:06:47] by casting lots for them to see what each should take.
[00:06:47 --> 00:06:50] It was 9 o'clock in the morning when they crucified him.
[00:06:51 --> 00:06:53] The inscription of the charge against him read,
[00:06:53 --> 00:06:56] "The King of the Jews."
[00:06:56 --> 00:06:59] With him they crucified two revolutionaries,
[00:06:59 --> 00:07:02] one on his right and one on his left.
[00:07:02 --> 00:07:06] Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads
[00:07:06 --> 00:07:08] and saying, "Aha!
[00:07:08 --> 00:07:12] You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days,
[00:07:12 --> 00:07:16] save yourself by coming down from the cross."
[00:07:17 --> 00:07:20] Likewise the chief priests with the scribes mocked him
[00:07:20 --> 00:07:24] among themselves and said, "He saved others,
[00:07:24 --> 00:07:26] he cannot save himself?
[00:07:26 --> 00:07:29] Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down now
[00:07:29 --> 00:07:33] from the cross, that we may see and believe."
[00:07:34 --> 00:07:38] Those who were crucified with him also kept abusing him.
[00:07:40 --> 00:07:43] Boys and girls, this is the moment of the crucifixion.
[00:07:43 --> 00:07:47] Jesus is nailed to the cross.
[00:07:47 --> 00:07:49] What do you think it felt like?
[00:07:49 --> 00:07:51] And what do you think Jesus was thinking about?
[00:07:53 --> 00:07:55] Do you think he was thinking about you?
[00:07:56 --> 00:08:00] Do you think he loves you so much that even in this moment,
[00:08:00 --> 00:08:02] he was thinking about you.
[00:08:05 --> 00:08:09] ♪ Who on Christ's dear mother thinking ♪
[00:08:09 --> 00:08:14] ♪ Such a cup of sorrow drinking ♪
[00:08:14 --> 00:08:19] ♪ Would not share her sorrows deep ♪
[00:08:19 --> 00:08:22] At noon, darkness came over the whole land
[00:08:22 --> 00:08:24] until three in the afternoon.
[00:08:24 --> 00:08:28] And at three o'clock, Jesus cried out in a loud voice,
[00:08:28 --> 00:08:32] "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"
[00:08:32 --> 00:08:33] Which is translated,
[00:08:33 --> 00:08:38] "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
[00:08:38 --> 00:08:41] Some of the bystanders who heard it said,
[00:08:41 --> 00:08:43] "Look, he is calling Elijah."
[00:08:43 --> 00:08:46] One of them ran, soaked a sponge with wine,
[00:08:46 --> 00:08:50] put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink, saying,
[00:08:50 --> 00:08:53] "Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to take him down."
[00:08:55 --> 00:08:59] Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.
[00:09:01 --> 00:09:04] The veil of the sanctuary was torn in two
[00:09:04 --> 00:09:06] from top to bottom.
[00:09:06 --> 00:09:09] When the centurion who stood facing him saw
[00:09:09 --> 00:09:12] how he breathed his last, he said,
[00:09:12 --> 00:09:16] "Truly, this was the Son of God."
[00:09:16 --> 00:09:19] There were also women looking on from a distance,
[00:09:19 --> 00:09:22] among them were Mary Magdalene,
[00:09:22 --> 00:09:26] Mary, the mother of the younger James and of Joseph,
[00:09:26 --> 00:09:28] and Salome.
[00:09:28 --> 00:09:31] These women had followed him when he was in Galilee
[00:09:31 --> 00:09:33] and ministered to him.
[00:09:33 --> 00:09:34] There were also many other women
[00:09:34 --> 00:09:37] who had come up with him to Jerusalem.
[00:09:37 --> 00:09:39] Boys and girls, Jesus Christ,
[00:09:39 --> 00:09:42] who is truly God and truly man,
[00:09:42 --> 00:09:47] gave his life for us on the cross because he loves us.
[00:09:48 --> 00:09:53] There are many people who weren't there at the crucifixion,
[00:09:53 --> 00:09:55] would you stay with Jesus at the cross?
[00:09:56 --> 00:10:01] ♪ Jesus made her deep devotion ♪
[00:10:01 --> 00:10:06] ♪ Stir in me the same emotion ♪
[00:10:06 --> 00:10:10] ♪ Fount of life, redeemer kind ♪
[00:10:11 --> 00:10:12] When it was already evening,
[00:10:12 --> 00:10:14] since it was the day of preparation,
[00:10:14 --> 00:10:19] the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea,
[00:10:19 --> 00:10:22] a distinguished member of the council,
[00:10:22 --> 00:10:25] who was himself awaiting the kingdom of God,
[00:10:25 --> 00:10:28] came and courageously went to Pilate
[00:10:28 --> 00:10:31] and asked for the body of Jesus.
[00:10:31 --> 00:10:34] Pilate was amazed that he was already dead.
[00:10:34 --> 00:10:37] He summoned the centurion and asked him
[00:10:37 --> 00:10:39] if Jesus had already died,
[00:10:39 --> 00:10:42] and when he had learned of it from the centurion,
[00:10:42 --> 00:10:44] he gave the body to Joseph.
[00:10:45 --> 00:10:48] Having brought a linen cloth, he took him down,
[00:10:48 --> 00:10:50] wrapped him in the linen cloth,
[00:10:50 --> 00:10:54] and laid him in a tomb that had been hewn out of a rock.
[00:10:55 --> 00:10:59] Then, he rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb.
[00:11:00 --> 00:11:04] Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Joseph,
[00:11:04 --> 00:11:06] watched where he was laid.
[00:11:08 --> 00:11:10] So boys and girls, remember,
[00:11:10 --> 00:11:13] we don't blow out the last candle,
[00:11:13 --> 00:11:17] but we hide the candle and we hide the light.
[00:11:17 --> 00:11:22] This represents that Jesus is still with us,
[00:11:22 --> 00:11:26] that he remains, even though we may not see him,
[00:11:26 --> 00:11:27] he is always there,
[00:11:27 --> 00:11:30] and the light of Christ is always burning.
[00:11:30 --> 00:11:32] So, boys and girls, in this moment,
[00:11:32 --> 00:11:37] we remember the earth breaking as Jesus died,
[00:11:37 --> 00:11:39] the earth shook
[00:11:39 --> 00:11:44] because the world was broken when Jesus died.
[00:11:45 --> 00:11:47] And so, boys and girls,
[00:11:47 --> 00:11:50] can you make a really, really loud noise like an earthquake,
[00:11:50 --> 00:11:53] like the earth shaking, and join me doing that?
[00:11:53 --> 00:11:56] (ground rumbling)
[00:12:00 --> 00:12:02] Boys and girls, let's just take a moment,
[00:12:02 --> 00:12:06] to remember and think about how much Jesus loves us.
[00:12:06 --> 00:12:09] (solemn music)
[00:12:13 --> 00:12:18] Even in darkness, even when things seem so, so dark,
[00:12:18 --> 00:12:23] the light of Jesus is still shining and it never goes out.
[00:12:24 --> 00:12:24] Okay boys and girls,
[00:12:24 --> 00:12:28] now we're going to pray the Litany of Light
[00:12:28 --> 00:12:30] and your response is...
[00:12:30 --> 00:12:32] Christ, be our light.
[00:12:32 --> 00:12:35] In these days of shadows and darkness.
[00:12:35 --> 00:12:37] Christ, be our light.
[00:12:37 --> 00:12:39] For our sisters and brothers
[00:12:39 --> 00:12:41] who are sick and struggling.
[00:12:41 --> 00:12:43] Christ, be our light.
[00:12:43 --> 00:12:45] In my doubt and in my worry.
[00:12:45 --> 00:12:47] Christ, be our light.
[00:12:47 --> 00:12:50] In moments when hope eludes me.
[00:12:50 --> 00:12:51] Christ, be our light.
[00:12:51 --> 00:12:54] When we fear for those we love.
[00:12:54 --> 00:12:55] Christ, be our light.
[00:12:55 --> 00:12:58] When we dread the darkness of nightfall.
[00:12:58 --> 00:13:00] Christ, be our light.
[00:13:00 --> 00:13:04] When sleep will not come and our hearts are anxious.
[00:13:04 --> 00:13:06] Christ, be our light.
[00:13:06 --> 00:13:09] When morning breaks and we enter a new day.
[00:13:09 --> 00:13:12] Christ, be our light.
[00:13:12 --> 00:13:14] When we are needed by family and friends.
[00:13:14 --> 00:13:16] Christ, be our light.
[00:13:16 --> 00:13:20] When we are called to love without counting the cost.
[00:13:20 --> 00:13:21] Christ, be our light.
[00:13:21 --> 00:13:25] When the crosses we bear seem more than we can carry.
[00:13:25 --> 00:13:27] Christ, be our light.
[00:13:27 --> 00:13:31] Lord Jesus, light in our darkness,
[00:13:31 --> 00:13:35] stay close to us and take away any darkness
[00:13:35 --> 00:13:37] that is surrounding us.
[00:13:37 --> 00:13:39] Get rid of any fear
[00:13:39 --> 00:13:43] or anything that is preventing us from you.
[00:13:43 --> 00:13:46] Help us to enter into a beautiful Holy Week
[00:13:46 --> 00:13:49] so that we can always be close to you
[00:13:49 --> 00:13:54] and remind us that you are our light in the darkness.
[00:13:54 --> 00:13:57] Jesus, we love you.
[00:13:57 --> 00:13:57] Amen.
[00:13:58 --> 00:14:00] In the name of the Father and of the Son,
[00:14:00 --> 00:14:01] and of the Holy Spirit.
[00:14:01 --> 00:14:03] Amen.
[00:14:03 --> 00:14:05] Boys and girls, thank you so much for joining me
[00:14:05 --> 00:14:07] in praying Tenebrae.
[00:14:07 --> 00:14:11] Sometimes the story of the crucifixion is hard to hear,
[00:14:12 --> 00:14:15] but it's your story.
[00:14:15 --> 00:14:17] And it's my story.
[00:14:17 --> 00:14:20] And it's Jesus' story for us.
[00:14:20 --> 00:14:22] Jesus loves you so, so much
[00:14:22 --> 00:14:25] that even in all of this darkness,
[00:14:25 --> 00:14:28] we still have him as the light.
[00:14:28 --> 00:14:30] The Tenebrae service is often prayed
[00:14:30 --> 00:14:34] either on Holy Thursday or Good Friday of Holy Week.
[00:14:34 --> 00:14:36] If your parish offers Tenebrae this week,
[00:14:36 --> 00:14:38] ask your parent if you can go.
[00:14:38 --> 00:14:42] This reminds us of the darkness,
[00:14:42 --> 00:14:44] so that when we celebrate Easter,
[00:14:44 --> 00:14:47] the light is that much brighter.
[00:14:47 --> 00:14:49] And a special thank you to Grace Elaine
[00:14:49 --> 00:14:52] from Sing with Grace for the music in today's episode.
[00:14:52 --> 00:14:55] You could find more about her Catholic music resources
[00:14:55 --> 00:14:57] for families in the description below.
[00:14:57 --> 00:15:01] Don't forget to subscribe to JuiceBox for more prayers.
[00:15:01 --> 00:15:03] I love you, praying for you.
[00:15:03 --> 00:15:04] Goodbye.
[00:15:04 --> 00:15:05] We'll see you next time.
[00:15:07 --> 00:15:09] JuiceBox.
[00:00:02 --> 00:00:06] a very very special prayer called Tenebrae.
[00:00:07 --> 00:00:10] Tenebrae means darkness and shadow.
[00:00:10 --> 00:00:13] During this prayer, we light candles,
[00:00:13 --> 00:00:16] and then after we do a reading,
[00:00:16 --> 00:00:18] we extinguish one of the candles.
[00:00:18 --> 00:00:20] The room gets darker and darker
[00:00:20 --> 00:00:23] after each candle is extinguished.
[00:00:23 --> 00:00:28] And that reminds us how the world got darker and darker
[00:00:28 --> 00:00:32] as Jesus suffered and died for us.
[00:00:32 --> 00:00:34] So amidst all the other candles going out,
[00:00:34 --> 00:00:38] one candle remains, the light of Jesus.
[00:00:38 --> 00:00:43] So today, we are going to use seven different candles
[00:00:43 --> 00:00:46] and we're going to read from the Gospel of Mark.
[00:00:46 --> 00:00:50] So my invitation for all of us is to quiet down
[00:00:50 --> 00:00:55] and prepare our hearts to really pay attention to Jesus.
[00:00:55 --> 00:00:57] JuiceBox! (chuckles)
[00:00:57 --> 00:01:00] (solemn music)
[00:01:07 --> 00:01:09] In the name of the Father, and of the Son,
[00:01:09 --> 00:01:11] and of the Holy Spirit.
[00:01:11 --> 00:01:12] Amen.
[00:01:12 --> 00:01:16] Grace to you and peace from God our Father
[00:01:16 --> 00:01:18] and the Lord Jesus Christ.
[00:01:18 --> 00:01:19] Amen.
[00:01:19 --> 00:01:22] Blessed be the name of the Lord our God-
[00:01:22 --> 00:01:24] Who redeems us from sin and death.
[00:01:24 --> 00:01:27] For us and for our salvation,
[00:01:27 --> 00:01:31] Christ became obedient unto death even death on a cross.
[00:01:31 --> 00:01:34] Blessed be the name of the Lord.
[00:01:34 --> 00:01:36] (solemn music)
[00:01:36 --> 00:01:38] As soon as morning came,
[00:01:38 --> 00:01:41] the chief priests with the elders and the scribes,
[00:01:41 --> 00:01:45] that is the whole Sanhedrin, held a Council.
[00:01:45 --> 00:01:48] They bound Jesus, led him away,
[00:01:48 --> 00:01:50] and handed him over to Pilate.
[00:01:51 --> 00:01:55] Pilate questioned him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"
[00:01:56 --> 00:02:00] He said to him in reply, "You say so."
[00:02:01 --> 00:02:05] The chief priests accused him of many things.
[00:02:05 --> 00:02:09] Again Pilate questioned him, "Have you no answer?
[00:02:09 --> 00:02:12] See how many things they accuse you of."
[00:02:13 --> 00:02:17] Jesus gave him no further answer, so the Pilate was amazed.
[00:02:18 --> 00:02:23] So Jesus was accused for something he did not do.
[00:02:23 --> 00:02:25] Boys and girls, have you ever experienced that?
[00:02:25 --> 00:02:28] Being accused of something that you didn't do?
[00:02:28 --> 00:02:31] Jesus knows how that feels.
[00:02:31 --> 00:02:33] And so you can give that to him.
[00:02:33 --> 00:02:36] You can tell Jesus about it because he knows.
[00:02:36 --> 00:02:41] ♪ At the cross her station keeping ♪
[00:02:41 --> 00:02:46] ♪ Stood a mournful mother weeping ♪
[00:02:46 --> 00:02:50] ♪ Where he hung the dying Lord ♪
[00:02:51 --> 00:02:53] Now on the occasion of the feast,
[00:02:53 --> 00:02:58] he used to release them one prisoner whom they requested.
[00:02:58 --> 00:03:01] A man called Barabbas was then in prison along
[00:03:01 --> 00:03:04] with the rebels who had committed murder in a rebellion.
[00:03:05 --> 00:03:09] The crowd came forward and began to ask him to do for them
[00:03:09 --> 00:03:10] as he was accustomed.
[00:03:12 --> 00:03:14] Pilate answered,
[00:03:14 --> 00:03:18] "Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?"
[00:03:18 --> 00:03:20] For he knew that it was out of envy
[00:03:20 --> 00:03:23] that the chief priests had handed him over.
[00:03:23 --> 00:03:25] But the chief priests stirred up the crowd
[00:03:25 --> 00:03:28] to have him release Barabbas for them instead.
[00:03:28 --> 00:03:30] Pilate again said to them in reply,
[00:03:30 --> 00:03:32] "Then what do you want me to do
[00:03:32 --> 00:03:36] with the man you call the king of the Jews?"
[00:03:36 --> 00:03:39] They shouted again, "Crucify him!"
[00:03:39 --> 00:03:43] Pilate said to them, "Why, what evil has he done?"
[00:03:45 --> 00:03:48] They only shouted the louder, "Crucify him!"
[00:03:49 --> 00:03:52] So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd,
[00:03:52 --> 00:03:57] released Barabbas to them, and after he had Jesus scourged,
[00:03:57 --> 00:03:59] handed him over to be crucified.
[00:04:01 --> 00:04:06] The crowd shouted at Jesus, "Crucify him, crucify him,"
[00:04:07 --> 00:04:09] when Jesus didn't do anything wrong.
[00:04:10 --> 00:04:14] Have you ever joined the crowd in doing something
[00:04:14 --> 00:04:18] that you shouldn't have done that you knew wasn't right?
[00:04:19 --> 00:04:24] ♪ Deep the war of her affliction ♪
[00:04:24 --> 00:04:29] ♪ When she saw the crucifixion ♪
[00:04:29 --> 00:04:32] ♪ Of the sole-begotten one ♪
[00:04:33 --> 00:04:37] The soldiers led him away inside the palace that is,
[00:04:37 --> 00:04:41] the praetorium, and assembled the whole cohort.
[00:04:41 --> 00:04:45] They clothed him in purple and weaving a crown of thorns,
[00:04:45 --> 00:04:46] placed it on him.
[00:04:47 --> 00:04:52] They began to salute him with, "Hail, King of the Jews,"
[00:04:52 --> 00:04:54] and kept striking his head with a reed
[00:04:54 --> 00:04:59] and spitting upon him, they knelt before him in homage.
[00:05:00 --> 00:05:02] And when they had mocked him,
[00:05:02 --> 00:05:04] they stripped him of the purple cloak,
[00:05:04 --> 00:05:07] dressed him in his own clothes,
[00:05:07 --> 00:05:09] and led him out to crucify him.
[00:05:11 --> 00:05:14] Boys and girls, Jesus was mocked.
[00:05:14 --> 00:05:17] Jesus was made fun of.
[00:05:17 --> 00:05:20] Have you ever been mocked or made fun of?
[00:05:20 --> 00:05:23] Jesus knows how that feels.
[00:05:23 --> 00:05:27] And he wants to be with you when you are mocked
[00:05:27 --> 00:05:29] and when you are made fun of.
[00:05:29 --> 00:05:31] And you can always go to him
[00:05:31 --> 00:05:33] because he knows what that feels like.
[00:05:35 --> 00:05:39] ♪ Him who sought for our salvation ♪
[00:05:39 --> 00:05:44] ♪ Marked with cruel acclamation ♪
[00:05:44 --> 00:05:49] ♪ Scourged and crowned with thorns entwined ♪
[00:05:49 --> 00:05:54] They pressed into service a passer by, Simon, a Cyrenian,
[00:05:54 --> 00:05:56] who was coming in from the country,
[00:05:56 --> 00:06:00] the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.
[00:06:00 --> 00:06:03] So Jesus needs help.
[00:06:03 --> 00:06:06] And so Simon is called out of the crowd
[00:06:06 --> 00:06:08] to help him in his struggle.
[00:06:08 --> 00:06:10] Have you ever needed help?
[00:06:10 --> 00:06:14] And have you ever felt the desire to help others?
[00:06:16 --> 00:06:20] ♪ Saw him then from judgment taken ♪
[00:06:20 --> 00:06:24] ♪ And in death by all forsaken ♪
[00:06:24 --> 00:06:28] ♪ Till his spirit he reside ♪
[00:06:29 --> 00:06:31] They brought him to the place of Golgotha,
[00:06:31 --> 00:06:35] which is translated, "Place of the Skull."
[00:06:35 --> 00:06:38] They gave him wine, drugged with myrrh,
[00:06:38 --> 00:06:40] but he did not take it.
[00:06:40 --> 00:06:43] Then they crucified him and divided his garments
[00:06:43 --> 00:06:47] by casting lots for them to see what each should take.
[00:06:47 --> 00:06:50] It was 9 o'clock in the morning when they crucified him.
[00:06:51 --> 00:06:53] The inscription of the charge against him read,
[00:06:53 --> 00:06:56] "The King of the Jews."
[00:06:56 --> 00:06:59] With him they crucified two revolutionaries,
[00:06:59 --> 00:07:02] one on his right and one on his left.
[00:07:02 --> 00:07:06] Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads
[00:07:06 --> 00:07:08] and saying, "Aha!
[00:07:08 --> 00:07:12] You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days,
[00:07:12 --> 00:07:16] save yourself by coming down from the cross."
[00:07:17 --> 00:07:20] Likewise the chief priests with the scribes mocked him
[00:07:20 --> 00:07:24] among themselves and said, "He saved others,
[00:07:24 --> 00:07:26] he cannot save himself?
[00:07:26 --> 00:07:29] Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down now
[00:07:29 --> 00:07:33] from the cross, that we may see and believe."
[00:07:34 --> 00:07:38] Those who were crucified with him also kept abusing him.
[00:07:40 --> 00:07:43] Boys and girls, this is the moment of the crucifixion.
[00:07:43 --> 00:07:47] Jesus is nailed to the cross.
[00:07:47 --> 00:07:49] What do you think it felt like?
[00:07:49 --> 00:07:51] And what do you think Jesus was thinking about?
[00:07:53 --> 00:07:55] Do you think he was thinking about you?
[00:07:56 --> 00:08:00] Do you think he loves you so much that even in this moment,
[00:08:00 --> 00:08:02] he was thinking about you.
[00:08:05 --> 00:08:09] ♪ Who on Christ's dear mother thinking ♪
[00:08:09 --> 00:08:14] ♪ Such a cup of sorrow drinking ♪
[00:08:14 --> 00:08:19] ♪ Would not share her sorrows deep ♪
[00:08:19 --> 00:08:22] At noon, darkness came over the whole land
[00:08:22 --> 00:08:24] until three in the afternoon.
[00:08:24 --> 00:08:28] And at three o'clock, Jesus cried out in a loud voice,
[00:08:28 --> 00:08:32] "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"
[00:08:32 --> 00:08:33] Which is translated,
[00:08:33 --> 00:08:38] "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
[00:08:38 --> 00:08:41] Some of the bystanders who heard it said,
[00:08:41 --> 00:08:43] "Look, he is calling Elijah."
[00:08:43 --> 00:08:46] One of them ran, soaked a sponge with wine,
[00:08:46 --> 00:08:50] put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink, saying,
[00:08:50 --> 00:08:53] "Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to take him down."
[00:08:55 --> 00:08:59] Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.
[00:09:01 --> 00:09:04] The veil of the sanctuary was torn in two
[00:09:04 --> 00:09:06] from top to bottom.
[00:09:06 --> 00:09:09] When the centurion who stood facing him saw
[00:09:09 --> 00:09:12] how he breathed his last, he said,
[00:09:12 --> 00:09:16] "Truly, this was the Son of God."
[00:09:16 --> 00:09:19] There were also women looking on from a distance,
[00:09:19 --> 00:09:22] among them were Mary Magdalene,
[00:09:22 --> 00:09:26] Mary, the mother of the younger James and of Joseph,
[00:09:26 --> 00:09:28] and Salome.
[00:09:28 --> 00:09:31] These women had followed him when he was in Galilee
[00:09:31 --> 00:09:33] and ministered to him.
[00:09:33 --> 00:09:34] There were also many other women
[00:09:34 --> 00:09:37] who had come up with him to Jerusalem.
[00:09:37 --> 00:09:39] Boys and girls, Jesus Christ,
[00:09:39 --> 00:09:42] who is truly God and truly man,
[00:09:42 --> 00:09:47] gave his life for us on the cross because he loves us.
[00:09:48 --> 00:09:53] There are many people who weren't there at the crucifixion,
[00:09:53 --> 00:09:55] would you stay with Jesus at the cross?
[00:09:56 --> 00:10:01] ♪ Jesus made her deep devotion ♪
[00:10:01 --> 00:10:06] ♪ Stir in me the same emotion ♪
[00:10:06 --> 00:10:10] ♪ Fount of life, redeemer kind ♪
[00:10:11 --> 00:10:12] When it was already evening,
[00:10:12 --> 00:10:14] since it was the day of preparation,
[00:10:14 --> 00:10:19] the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea,
[00:10:19 --> 00:10:22] a distinguished member of the council,
[00:10:22 --> 00:10:25] who was himself awaiting the kingdom of God,
[00:10:25 --> 00:10:28] came and courageously went to Pilate
[00:10:28 --> 00:10:31] and asked for the body of Jesus.
[00:10:31 --> 00:10:34] Pilate was amazed that he was already dead.
[00:10:34 --> 00:10:37] He summoned the centurion and asked him
[00:10:37 --> 00:10:39] if Jesus had already died,
[00:10:39 --> 00:10:42] and when he had learned of it from the centurion,
[00:10:42 --> 00:10:44] he gave the body to Joseph.
[00:10:45 --> 00:10:48] Having brought a linen cloth, he took him down,
[00:10:48 --> 00:10:50] wrapped him in the linen cloth,
[00:10:50 --> 00:10:54] and laid him in a tomb that had been hewn out of a rock.
[00:10:55 --> 00:10:59] Then, he rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb.
[00:11:00 --> 00:11:04] Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Joseph,
[00:11:04 --> 00:11:06] watched where he was laid.
[00:11:08 --> 00:11:10] So boys and girls, remember,
[00:11:10 --> 00:11:13] we don't blow out the last candle,
[00:11:13 --> 00:11:17] but we hide the candle and we hide the light.
[00:11:17 --> 00:11:22] This represents that Jesus is still with us,
[00:11:22 --> 00:11:26] that he remains, even though we may not see him,
[00:11:26 --> 00:11:27] he is always there,
[00:11:27 --> 00:11:30] and the light of Christ is always burning.
[00:11:30 --> 00:11:32] So, boys and girls, in this moment,
[00:11:32 --> 00:11:37] we remember the earth breaking as Jesus died,
[00:11:37 --> 00:11:39] the earth shook
[00:11:39 --> 00:11:44] because the world was broken when Jesus died.
[00:11:45 --> 00:11:47] And so, boys and girls,
[00:11:47 --> 00:11:50] can you make a really, really loud noise like an earthquake,
[00:11:50 --> 00:11:53] like the earth shaking, and join me doing that?
[00:11:53 --> 00:11:56] (ground rumbling)
[00:12:00 --> 00:12:02] Boys and girls, let's just take a moment,
[00:12:02 --> 00:12:06] to remember and think about how much Jesus loves us.
[00:12:06 --> 00:12:09] (solemn music)
[00:12:13 --> 00:12:18] Even in darkness, even when things seem so, so dark,
[00:12:18 --> 00:12:23] the light of Jesus is still shining and it never goes out.
[00:12:24 --> 00:12:24] Okay boys and girls,
[00:12:24 --> 00:12:28] now we're going to pray the Litany of Light
[00:12:28 --> 00:12:30] and your response is...
[00:12:30 --> 00:12:32] Christ, be our light.
[00:12:32 --> 00:12:35] In these days of shadows and darkness.
[00:12:35 --> 00:12:37] Christ, be our light.
[00:12:37 --> 00:12:39] For our sisters and brothers
[00:12:39 --> 00:12:41] who are sick and struggling.
[00:12:41 --> 00:12:43] Christ, be our light.
[00:12:43 --> 00:12:45] In my doubt and in my worry.
[00:12:45 --> 00:12:47] Christ, be our light.
[00:12:47 --> 00:12:50] In moments when hope eludes me.
[00:12:50 --> 00:12:51] Christ, be our light.
[00:12:51 --> 00:12:54] When we fear for those we love.
[00:12:54 --> 00:12:55] Christ, be our light.
[00:12:55 --> 00:12:58] When we dread the darkness of nightfall.
[00:12:58 --> 00:13:00] Christ, be our light.
[00:13:00 --> 00:13:04] When sleep will not come and our hearts are anxious.
[00:13:04 --> 00:13:06] Christ, be our light.
[00:13:06 --> 00:13:09] When morning breaks and we enter a new day.
[00:13:09 --> 00:13:12] Christ, be our light.
[00:13:12 --> 00:13:14] When we are needed by family and friends.
[00:13:14 --> 00:13:16] Christ, be our light.
[00:13:16 --> 00:13:20] When we are called to love without counting the cost.
[00:13:20 --> 00:13:21] Christ, be our light.
[00:13:21 --> 00:13:25] When the crosses we bear seem more than we can carry.
[00:13:25 --> 00:13:27] Christ, be our light.
[00:13:27 --> 00:13:31] Lord Jesus, light in our darkness,
[00:13:31 --> 00:13:35] stay close to us and take away any darkness
[00:13:35 --> 00:13:37] that is surrounding us.
[00:13:37 --> 00:13:39] Get rid of any fear
[00:13:39 --> 00:13:43] or anything that is preventing us from you.
[00:13:43 --> 00:13:46] Help us to enter into a beautiful Holy Week
[00:13:46 --> 00:13:49] so that we can always be close to you
[00:13:49 --> 00:13:54] and remind us that you are our light in the darkness.
[00:13:54 --> 00:13:57] Jesus, we love you.
[00:13:57 --> 00:13:57] Amen.
[00:13:58 --> 00:14:00] In the name of the Father and of the Son,
[00:14:00 --> 00:14:01] and of the Holy Spirit.
[00:14:01 --> 00:14:03] Amen.
[00:14:03 --> 00:14:05] Boys and girls, thank you so much for joining me
[00:14:05 --> 00:14:07] in praying Tenebrae.
[00:14:07 --> 00:14:11] Sometimes the story of the crucifixion is hard to hear,
[00:14:12 --> 00:14:15] but it's your story.
[00:14:15 --> 00:14:17] And it's my story.
[00:14:17 --> 00:14:20] And it's Jesus' story for us.
[00:14:20 --> 00:14:22] Jesus loves you so, so much
[00:14:22 --> 00:14:25] that even in all of this darkness,
[00:14:25 --> 00:14:28] we still have him as the light.
[00:14:28 --> 00:14:30] The Tenebrae service is often prayed
[00:14:30 --> 00:14:34] either on Holy Thursday or Good Friday of Holy Week.
[00:14:34 --> 00:14:36] If your parish offers Tenebrae this week,
[00:14:36 --> 00:14:38] ask your parent if you can go.
[00:14:38 --> 00:14:42] This reminds us of the darkness,
[00:14:42 --> 00:14:44] so that when we celebrate Easter,
[00:14:44 --> 00:14:47] the light is that much brighter.
[00:14:47 --> 00:14:49] And a special thank you to Grace Elaine
[00:14:49 --> 00:14:52] from Sing with Grace for the music in today's episode.
[00:14:52 --> 00:14:55] You could find more about her Catholic music resources
[00:14:55 --> 00:14:57] for families in the description below.
[00:14:57 --> 00:15:01] Don't forget to subscribe to JuiceBox for more prayers.
[00:15:01 --> 00:15:03] I love you, praying for you.
[00:15:03 --> 00:15:04] Goodbye.
[00:15:04 --> 00:15:05] We'll see you next time.
[00:15:07 --> 00:15:09] JuiceBox.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do we explain Tenebrae to kids?
Tenebrae is a Holy Week prayer service that helps kids understand Jesus’ Passion using candles, Scripture, and silence. As candles go out, the room gets darker to show how the world felt darker as Jesus suffered. It ends with a reminder that Jesus is still the Light.
What does Tenebrae mean?
Tenebrae is a Latin word that means darkness or shadows. The name fits because the prayer uses darkness and silence to help us remember what Jesus went through before Easter.
Why do Catholics extinguish candles during Tenebrae?
Each candle going out is like a picture of the world growing darker as Jesus is rejected and crucified. It helps kids “see” the story with their eyes, not just hear it with their ears. It also teaches that faith can stay strong even in hard moments.
Why is the last candle not blown out?
Because the Light of Christ is never destroyed. The final candle may be hidden for a moment to represent Jesus being placed in the tomb, but it returns still lit. That’s the hopeful message: darkness doesn’t win.
Is Tenebrae appropriate for children?
It can be emotional, but a family Tenebrae can be very gentle and kid-friendly. The key is pacing, short readings, and simple explanations. Kids usually respond well because it’s quiet, visual, and ends with hope.
If your kids asked a big faith question this week, you’re not alone. Subscribe so you’ve always got a short, safe, Catholic video ready for car rides, bedtime, or Sunday prep.
Free Tenebrae Worksheet for Kids
Help your child learn more about Tenebrae through a coloring page of Jesus, fill-in-the-blank activities, and a simple follow-along prayer and reflection. A gentle way to help kids remember this quiet Holy Week tradition and reflect on Jesus with the whole family.
What's Inside:
Follow-along reflection and instruction for Tenebrae
Coloring page of Jesus
Fill in the blank
Perfect to use while watching the companion Juice Box video
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