26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year C:  September 25, 2016

First Reading: Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15

The Apple-Pip Princess by Jane Ray

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: This text inspires readers to trust that even amidst destruction and desolation, there is hope for the future in promise of restoration.  Stephen Breck Reid suggests “…the faithful reader of Jeremiah is called to find analogies of collaborative, inspired, public, prophetic actions that speak hope of redemption in unpromising places and times.” (Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 4, 102) In The Apple Pip Princess, Serenity plants and tends seeds in the barren land of her kingdom. As the land is transformed by green shoots of life, we see that her action is prophetic, and leads to renewed hope for the people of her land. Inspired by this text and story, wonder together with your congregation about how God might be calling your community to speak and enact hope in the midst of desolation.

Second Reading: 1 Timothy 6:6-19

The Spiffiest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: This passage, like the one in Luke, invites us to consider how we use our wealth. It serves well as an invitation to share stories of “those in the present age [who] are rich…[doing] good… rich in good works, generous, and ready to share…” The story of George the Giant is a silly one, that explores a giant’s kindness. Even though George is excited to have a spiffy new outfit, his kind nature moves him towards sharing with others in need. After reading this text and story, invite your congregation to share additional  stories of people who’ve shared their wealth, acting good and generously in service to God’s kingdom.

Gospel Reading: Luke 16:19-31

Princess Penelope’s Parrot by Helen Lester

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “In this story,” says Lois Malcolm, “God’s eternal judgment has everything to do with how we use wealth in this life and whether we attend to those less fortunate in our midst.” (http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=1784) The story also serves as the warning for us, not unlike the warning the rich man wished Lazarus to carry to his siblings. Princess Penelope’s Parrot serves as warning to readers, as well. Penelope sees wealth as a path to more and more for herself. Like the rich man, she is only able to see others in a capacity where they might be of use or service to her. With this text and story we who have wealth face a challenge–we must consider whether we see those with less as little more than objects meant to do our bidding or as children of God. Consider with your congregation how God might be calling you to use your wealth.

The Lectionary Links this week are written by Noell Rathbun-Cook.

Lectionary Links (RCL): September 25, 2016 by Storypath is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.