7th Sunday of Easter

Year C:  May 12, 2013

First Reading: Acts 16:16-34

Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: This reading shares three stories of bondage and freedom. A girl is possessed by and freed from a spirit of divination (though we are left questioning if this act also freed her from slavery). A jailer is bound to and freed from the requirements of his job. Paul and Silas are held captive and then freed from prison. In hearing these stories, we might ask ourselves where we witness bondage today and how are we are called to participate in the work of freedom? Brave Girl is the story of many brave girls, women, and men who worked to free clothing factory workers from oppressive employment conditions. Though Clara was a small, young girl, her actions made a huge difference in the lives of many people. God strengthens us to do the work of justice, too, no matter our size, age, or condition!

Second Reading: Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21

Possum’s Harvest Moon by Anne Hunter

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: Though these verses from the final chapter of Revelation are segmented, they are full of rich imagery of the one who was, and is, and is to come,  the one who calls us to join him. Jesus, the bright morning star is calling us to drink our fill of grace. “And let everyone who hears say, ‘Come.’” Possum sees the harvest moon as a sign and invitation to celebration. His friends are all too busy to join him until they have their own experience of the Harvest Moon’s inviting light. Then, it’s as if they hear “Come!” for the first time, and invite others to join them for the celebration. May we open our ears and eyes to the invitation of Christ’s light, and share that invitation with others.

Gospel Reading: John 17:20-26

Becoming Me by Martin Boroson

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us… I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” Jesus prays for his disciples (and us) to experience the unity and oneness he has with God. Becoming Me helps young readers explore the experience of a oneness with God. The story echoes Jesus’ prayer for his disciples as God tells the reader, “I’m right here, reminding you [who you are].” Illustrations of wat and destruction touch on the danger of forgetting our unity in God, but the story ultimately ends with the light-filled experience of God’s love. Use this story to wonder together with the children of your church about the ways we can share in God’s light and love.

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