Lectionary Links: Sunday, October 6, 2013

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year C: October 6, 2013

Why Do You Cry? Not a Sob Story by Kate Klise

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: “She weeps bitterly in the night, with tears on her cheeks…” This text serves to remind us that part of the process of lament involves remembering the experiences that have brought about one’s suffering and tears. We see in the verses of this passage why Jerusalem weeps and and remember with her the cause of her great suffering. In discussing this text with children, we are invited to explore the fact that all people experience sadness. Little Rabbit believes being grown up means not crying–in fact he’s determined never to cry again. Believing he can only celebrate his birthday with others who don’t cry, he soon learns tears are not just for babies. Use this text and story as an invitation of remembering and sharing lament within your own community.

Second Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-14

Your Daddy Was Just Like You or Your Mommy Was Just Like You by Kelly Bennett

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: Much of who we are is passed down to us through the people who love and shape us. In both of Bennett’s books, a grandmother shares with a young child the ways in which their parents were just like them as children. In this text from 2 Timothy, we are reminded that faith and spirituality are also things that can be passed down and shaped through the influence of family. In many ways, verse 5 is Paul’s way of saying to Timothy, “in their faith your mother and grandmother were just like you.” As you read this text and story, invite your community to explore the ways they share and influence the faith of your church’s children.

Gospel Reading: Luke 17:5-10

Tiny Little Fly by Michael Rosen

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: Bigger is better! We need more! These are not uncommon phrases to be heard among people. Sometimes we’re convinced that what we have isn’t really enough, we need more for it to be worth anything. This is how the disciples felt about their faith. Surely it would be better if it was bigger, greater, or if they had more of it! In his response, Jesus tells them that size doesn’t matter so much as what you do with your faith. The Tiny Little Fly knows what it is to be small, yet powerful. No matter how hard they try, big elephant, hippo, and tiger are unable to squash the fly. Through Jesus’ words and the fly’s actions we are reminded that even things that seem quite small can be quite powerful.

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