Lectionary Links (RCL): September 16, 2018
17th Sunday after Pentecost
24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Year B: September 16, 2018
First Reading: Proverbs 1:20-33
Through Your Eyes: My Child’s Gift to Me by Ainsley Earhardt
(Written for ages 4-8 )
Comment: The wisdom of a child causes us to slow down and see the world with eyes of wonder, beauty and innocence. One mother finds this truth as she explores the world with her daughter in Through Your Eyes: My Child’s Gift to Me. In the busyness of the world we are striving to know everything and be everything. We are listening to the wisdom of the world rather than the wisdom of God. These words from Proverbs remind us to listen to the wisdom God has given us. It is there for us. Wisdom is actively waiting for us and even seeking us out. God’s wisdom gives us a better way to live in this world. When we allow the wisdom of God to shape us, we are “secure and will live at ease (v 33).
Second Reading: James 3:1-12
The Friend Ship By Kat Yeh
(Written for ages 3-5)
Comment: Words have the ability to shape for the good and the bad. The words we say are important. These words from James remind us that we have the power to bless or curse. Following Christ means we are trying to use our words to bless one another. In The Friend Ship, Hedgehog sets out on a journey looking for the friend ship she has heard about. It is a place to go to find a friend. Hedgehog is lonely and looking for a friend and as she sets out on her journey, Beaver ask to join in. The power to bless is in Hedgehog’s hand. As Hedgehog and Beaver set out on their journey, they encounter many other animals who are looking for friends and request to join and all are welcomed on board. As they journey together the animals become friends and become blessings to one another. All it took was a simple yes, to begin the opportunity for blessing.
Gospel Reading: Mark 8:27-38
Elizabeth, Queen of the Seas by Lynne Cox
(Written for ages 4-8)
Comment: Jesus is discussing his identity with the disciples and begins by asking what other people are saying about him. He then goes on to explain who he is. No matter what the others say, Jesus is who he is. In Elizabeth, Queen of the Sea an elephant seal name Elizabeth has taken up residence in the Avon River near a busy street. Everyone loves having their very own elephant seal resident until she begins to bask in the middle of the road. This causes quite a bit of concern over her safety and it is decided that Elizabeth belongs with other elephant seals. A group of volunteers take Elizabeth out to sea and leave her with other elephant seals. Immediately Elizabeth returns to her home in the Avon River This happenes repeatedly, until a new approach is taken. Elizabeth does not allow others to tell her who she is and where she belongs. Jesus does not allow what other people say about him and even corrects Peter. We can change the way we approach him, so that we can see him in a different light. Jesus’ identity never changes.
We are happy to welcome back Elizabeth Boulware Landes, Union Presbyterian Seminary alumna and Associate Pastor of Children and Youth Ministry at Faith Presbyterian Church, Aledo, TX, as our Revised Common Lectionary Links writer for the next five weeks.
Lectionary Links (RCL): September 16, 2018 by Storypath is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
