Lectionary Links: Sunday, March 3, 2013

3rd Sunday in Lent

Year C:  March 3, 2013

First Reading: Isaiah 55:1-9

The Magic Gourd by Baba Wagué Diakité

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: Isaiah invites readers to a feast of abundance, provided not because of the money they can give in exchange, but because of the grace of the one who prepares the feast. God’s thoughts and ways are not our thoughts and ways. Surely, we think, one must earn their feasting through hard work or riches. It is difficult for us to accept grace. It is also difficult for us to believe we have enough when our culture tells us we should have more. In The Magic Gourd, Rabbit, his family, and his neighbors experience the bounty of grace as they eat and drink their fill from the gourd. The greedy king, influenced by the world’s desires for power, wealth, and more, steals the gourd. In the end, the gourd is returned to Rabbit, and the King is changed by an experience of grace in which he learns the value of generosity and friendship. Like the King, may our thoughts and ways be shifted by the experience of grace.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

The Great Fuzz Frenzy by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: Paul warns of the dangers of idolatry, a common temptation known to our ancestors and to us today. The groundhogs learn of the danger of idolatry in The Great Fuzzy Frenzy. Originally a kind community focused on the needs of one another, their adoration of the fuzz from a tennis ball begins to fracture their community, turning their peaceful town into a battleground. Eventually they are freed from the fuzz and their community is restored. This story and Paul’s warning invites us to think about the fuzz that entraps our own communities. It is valuable for us to reflect upon our life and priorities and to ask ourselves, “What is it that we worship?” The answer shapes the way we live and act in the world. We are being called to refocus our worship and our way of life towards God. In worshiping God, may we be led to live and act for God’s kingdom.

Gospel Reading: Luke 13:1-9

The Monster Who Lost His Mean by Tiffany Strelitz Haber

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: In her reflections on this text, Barbara Brown Taylor explains that Jesus knows we cannot always protect ourselves from our fears; rather, his focus is on the way we respond to them. “That torn place your fear has opened up inside of you is a holy place. Look around while you are there. Pay attention to what you feel. It may hurt you to stay there and it may hurt you to see, but it is not the kind of hurt that leads to death. It is the kind that leads to life.” (“Life-Giving Fear,” The Christian Century, March 4, 1998, p 229) In The Monster Who Lost His Mean, Monster experiences the life-giving fear described by Taylor. He frantically searches everywhere for his mean and is ostracized by his community. Eventually he lives into this change, and in becoming Onster, he is able to celebrate the new life and community he finds.

This Lectionary Links post was written by regular contributor Noell Rathbun-Cook.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, February 3, 2013

Year C:  February 3, 2013

First Reading: Jeremiah 1:4-10

Real Kids, Real Stories, Real Change: Courageous Actions Around the World by Garth Sundem

(Written for ages 9-13)

Comment: “Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy…  Do not say, ‘I am only a boy’; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you, do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you…”  This text offers a wonderful reminder that children are important participants of God’s work in the world. So often we say to children, “when you grow up, you can…” but God is saying, “look what you can do right now. Don’t be afraid to act in the world, because I am with you.”  Share stories with your congregation of kids who are making a difference in their communities, nations, and the world.  Real Kids, Real Stories, Real Change shares inspiring true stories of kids saving the environment, standing up for themselves, helping others, overcoming challenges, and using their talents and creativity.  Use their example as a springboard to explore and discuss the courageous actions that are being done by kids in your community.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Love Twelve Miles Long by Glenda Armand

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”  Love is the foundation of our daily living, undergirding a meaningful life. In our culture we often lose sight of the power and depth of love.  We “love” all kinds of things: candy, books, apps, photos; but the love expressed in this passage is deeper than a strong liking.  It is the fuel of life, allowing people to endure. Frederick Douglass’s mother knows this kind of love.  Love is the bedrock of her twelve mile journey to visit her son, and allows her to make the journey of forgetting, remembering, listening, looking up, wondering, praying, singing, smiling, giving thanks, hoping, and dreaming. Her journey, her life, and her relationship with God and her son are built upon love.  This text and story invite us to reflect upon the ways love guides our lives.

Gospel Reading: Luke 4:21-30

The Way Meat Loves Salt by Nina Jaffe

(Written for ages 7-11)

Comment: “When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage.  They got up, [and]drove him out of the town…”  The truth Jesus speaks angers the people of his hometown.  They cannot accept who he is or what he has to say, and so they drive him away.  In Jaffe’s tale, Mireleh is driven away when the truth she shares is not comprehended by her father. In his anger, he drives her away.  Often it’s the people who have watched us grow from childhood to adulthood who struggle the most to understand the people we have become or the truth we have to share.  In our own lives do we accept truths that may be difficult for us, or do we participate in driving prophetic voices away?

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

Lectionary Links: Sunday, January 27,2013

Third Sunday after Epiphany

Year C:  January 27, 2013

First Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10

When Zaydeh Danced on Eldridge Street by Elsa Okon Rael

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine…” In response to hearing God’s word, Ezra and Nehemiah invite the people to celebrate. Valerie Bridgeman Davie suggests that Christians sometimes forget the holiness in celebration. She reflects on the way this passage connects holiness and merriment:“Life in God should produce gladness, especially in the context of listening for and living out God’s word… After hearing the word and understanding it, what more is there to holiness but to enjoy the life God has given?” (Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 1, p 271) In Rael’s story, Zeesie goes with her grandfather to the synagogue and experiences the joy and merriment that comes from hearing God’s word.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a

Here Are My Hands by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault

(Written for ages 2-5)

Comment: “God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be?” To understand the value of different members of the body of Christ, it’s helpful to be reminded of the value of our different body parts. This text invites wondering with young children about our bodies and the roles played by our various body parts. Here Are My Hands  is a celebration of the different things we can accomplish with different parts of our body. Use this story to spark conversation with the children in your church about the things we can do with different body parts and why we need the variety for our bodies to function well.

**My absolute favorite book for this text was highlighted in an earlier Lectionary Links post. Check out the story Head, Body, Legs if you have not already used it in your church. (http://storypath.wordpress.com/2011/05/27/lectionary-links-sunday-june-12-2011/)**

Gospel Reading: Luke 4:14-21

Joseph and the Sabbath Fish by Eric A. Kimmel

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.” This Sabbath lesson is read by Jesus in the synagogue. The words he reads parallel the actions he fulfills in his life. We are invited to hear, experience, and be changed by Jesus’ teachings and actions. Joseph teaches his neighbor Judah a sabbath lesson in the way he opens his door and his heart to others. Wonder together with the children of your church about the ways our own lives might reflect the love found in both Jesus’ and Joseph’s sabbath teachings.

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

Lectionary Links: Sunday, January 20, 2013

2nd Sunday after Epiphany

Year C:  January 20, 2013

First Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5

Ellen’s Broom by Kelly Starling Lyons

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give.” In his commentary on the text, Rick Nutt highlights the fact that God desires justice for people who have been marginalized and oppressed. “In anticipation of vindication, the oppressed must cling to the conviction that–contrary to what oppressors may say–they are valuable to God and do not deserve the treatment they receive.” (Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 1, p 244) The story of Ellen’s Broom is set shortly after the end of slavery. Ellen hears how her parents jumped the broom as slaves to symbolize their marriage. The broom travels with the family to the courthouse where Mama and Papa will be legally married. As we explore the story of the broom, we hear both the hope of an oppressed people and their experience of liberation.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Camille’s Team by Stuart J. Murphy

(Written for ages 3-5)

Comment: “To each of these is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” This text is a wonderful opportunity to talk about the ways we work together in the church as participants in God’s work in the world. The Spirit gives us different gifts and talents that help us work together. Camille and her friends find that building a sand fort works much better when they work with one another. They each fulfill different tasks, working as a team to build a great fort. Wonder together with the children in your church about the different tasks we do in order to be the church together. How do you see cooperation at work in your community of faith?

Note: Several young adult books highlight people with different gifts and talents working towards the same goal. If you’re interested in further exploring those, check out Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning, or The Mysterious Benedict Society.

Gospel Reading: John 2:1-11

The Wedding by Eve Bunting

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: Robert M. Brearley calls weddings “accidents waiting to happen”. We all have stories of things that go wrong in the midst of wedding ceremonies and celebrations. This happens at Cana when the wine runs out. Brearley speaks of the way Jesus saves the celebration: “The servants know what has happened, the steward is amazed, and the disciples believe in Jesus. How is that for a happy ending?” (Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 1, p 260) Eve Bunting tells the story of a wedding that could potentially be disastrous, as all the participants have been delayed. Miss Brindle Cow saves the day, carrying everyone to the wedding on her back. The joyous celebration can continue and readers get the best surprise when they learn that Miss Brindle Cow is the bride!

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

Lectionary Links: Sunday, March 11, 2012

Third Sunday in Lent

Year B: March 11, 2012

First Reading: Exodus 20:1-17

Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten? by Audrey Vernick (Written for ages 3 and up)

Comment: In today’s first text we read the Ten Commandments. They are a way of telling us how to live our lives and what rules we need to follow to be in community with one another and with God.  When readers follow Buffalo to kindergarten, they learn about the first day of school and explore the different rules that a buffalo (or any kindergartener) needs to follow to ensure everyone fits and is safe within that community. When Buffalo gets angry, he’ll “stop, take a deep breath, and remember the rules for sharing and caring. That’s why kindergarten’s so great. You learn to get along without using your horns.” Use this story to help enter a conversation about getting along, and how the Ten Commandments can help us to share and care.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Granny Torrelli Makes Soup by Sharon Creech (Written for ages 9-12)

Comment: Today’s text gives us pause to reflect upon the trouble that can come of trusting our own wisdom rather than the wisdom of God. “Though we know better, Christians sometimes fool ourselves into believing that we can rely upon our own abilities, our own expertise, our own planning and sophistication.” (Feasting on the Word, Year B, Volume 2,  p. 89) In the book Granny Torrelli Makes Soup, Rosie is stubborn and has trouble understanding her friend Bailey’s anger. Granny helps Rosie with her friendship problems by helping her gain some perspective and insight. By talking with Granny and looking beyond her desires for the wisdom she needs, Rosie is able to repair her friendship.

Gospel Reading: John 2:13-22

Luba and the Wren by Patricia Polacco (Written for ages 5-9)

In the passage from John, Jesus is condemning the behavior that had come about when the temple authorities lost sight of their true purpose and sought to be grander. Paul C. Shupe suggests that it is doubtful the institution fully sought to exploit God’s good name, rather it is likely they “settled into comfortable behaviors that enabled them to meet institutional goals, turning an increasingly blind eye to the unsavory possibilities of corruption…” (Feasting on the Word, Year B, Volume 2, p. 94) Similarly, corruption creeps into the lives of Luba’s parents when they continue to seek grander lifestyles from the Wren. The book’s images build into dark, angry rage. Readers experience righteous indignation not unlike that held by Jesus in the text. This anger leads to transformation and a return to life focused on that which is good.

The Lectionary Links this week were written by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Rachel Mastin and alumna Noell Rathbun-Cook.

 

Lectionary Links: Sunday, February 12, 2012

Sixth Sunday after Epiphany

Year B: February 12, 2012

First Reading: 2 Kings 5:1-14

Miro in the Kingdom of the Sun by Jane Kurtz (Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: Naaman is a powerful and mighty man who would do anything to be healed.  It’s interesting to see that his healing takes place because of the actions of those typically viewed as neither powerful nor mighty. Ultimately, Naaman is healed because he trusts his servants and listens to their advice. Miro in the Kingdom of the Sun is also the story of healing waters for one who holds status of power and wealth.  Ultimately, the prince is healed because his father trusts Miro, a little girl from the country, and accepts the gift she shares. Both stories are examples of how God’s work is often accomplished through those whom society deems as powerless.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

The Tortoise and the Hare by Aesop (Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: When thinking about exploring this text with children, I’m drawn to Eugene Peterson’s interpretation of verses 26 and 27 in The Message: “I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.” This instantly brings to mind the braggart Hare, quick to boast about his race-running abilities. Though he is a skilled runner, he lacks discipline and diligence, is caught napping and fails to win the race. He thought it would be easy, but the process of winning a race is no easy task, even for a hare. Likewise, living the Christian life is no easy task for we in the church. According to V. Bruce Rigdon, “that is why Paul suggests that we must stay in shape, work hard at our tasks, and keep our eyes on the ultimate goal.” (Feasting on the Word, Year B, Volume 1, p 354.” May we, like the tortoise, seek to stay on the path, even if the running is slow.

Mark 1: 40-45

Vive La Paris by Esme Raji Codell  (Written for ages 9-12)

Comment: “I do choose. Be made clean!” Although it is hard to stand up for what is right, as followers of Christ, we are called to make choices. Paris is a fifth grader learning about choices from her family, friends, and teachers.   This books covers a number of difficult topics, including bullying, the holocaust, and racism. Through her learning,  Paris discovers what it means to seek justice in an often unjust world. As the story ends, she makes a choice to help others. “I thought about a man at a pulpit preaching things I only half understand, things I want to understand so, so much, things that I will only begin to understand if Louis takes this money… I put on my rose-colored glasses once more, though nobody could see them. I put them on my heart.” (Chapter 24) Through the lens of the rose-colored glasses, Paris seeks to choose justice. We too, have choices to make, with Christ as our lens.

This Lectionary Links post was written by regular contributor Noell Rathbun-Cook and Union Presbyterian Seminary student Rachel Mastin.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, February 5, 2012

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

Year B: February 5, 2012

First Reading: Isaiah 40:21-31

Jasper’s Beanstalk by Nick Butterworth (Ages 3-6)

Comment: “Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength…” Sometimes waiting feels like a hopeless task. The patience required to wait can overwhelm adults and children alike. Isaiah tells us that God will strengthen us when we are wearied by our waiting. Jasper grows weary as he waits for his beanstalk to grow. In his frustration he throws the bean out the window. After time, Jasper’s hope is renewed when he finds a beanstalk right outside his window. In Jasper’s Beanstalk and the text from Isaiah, readers are given the opportunity to discover the worth in waiting.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23

Aunt Harriet’s Underground Railroad in the Sky by Faith Ringgold (Ages 5-9)

Comment: “I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some.”  It is not out  of deception that Paul takes on different roles, but a desire to make the gospel accessible to many. He is willing to take on whatever form is necessary to aid in the salvation of others. Harriet Tubman risked a return to slavery every time she traveled south to lead more people to freedom. In Aunt Harriet’s Underground Railroad in the Sky,  Cassie relives the experience of a slave traveling the underground railroad and sees the varied forms it takes. “Sometimes the train is a farmer’s wagon. Sometimes it is a hearse covered with flowers–inside, a live slave hides in a coffin.” Each part of the railroad has the same purpose: to lead as many people as possible to freedom.

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:29-39

The Conjure Woman by William Miller (Ages 4-8)

Comment: “He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her…” In his commentary, P.C. Ennis emphasizes the power of touch in this text and throughout scripture. “Love not expressed, love not felt, is difficult to trust. Theologically speaking that is the reason for the incarnation. God knew the human need for nearness.” (Feasting on the Word, Year B, Volume 1, p336)  The conjure woman also understands the need for nearness. She cradles a very sick Toby in her arms and they magically journey to Africa where a circle of people reach out to heal him.  “Toby looked around the circle, saw himself reflected in the eyes of all the people. He felt strong again, strong enough to get up from his bed, touch the faces of the ones who healed him.” In reading The Conjure Woman and the stories of healing in Jesus’ ministry, we come to know, if it has not already been felt it in our own lives, the important role touch plays in the healing process.

This Lectionary Links post was written by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Rachel Mastin and regular contributor Noell Rathbun.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, January 29, 2012

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Year B: January 29, 2012

First Reading: Deuteronomy 18:15-20

The Prophet of Yonwood by Jeanne DuPrau (Written for Ages 9-11)

Comment: “But any prophet who speaks in the name of other Gods, or who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded the prophet to speak—that prophet shall die.” This word from God is a strong warning against false prophecy.  A false prophet has the potential to cause much damage. In The Prophet of Yonwood readers witness the changes that come to a small town after a woman has debilitating visions of the future that leave her babbling and semi-conscious. Referred to as the Prophet, a council interprets her words, instructing the town to act in certain ways on God’s orders. When the prophet’s awareness of her surroundings returns she is horrified to learn that her vision of the future has been misinterpreted as a command from God. “The vision—I couldn’t stop seeing it. It was dreadful beyond words… No singing or dancing. No lights. No animals. No dogs, even. All gone! It was what I saw. It wasn’t orders from God.” (Chapter 30)

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Gluskabe and the Four Wishes retold by Joseph Bruchac (Written for ages 5-9)

Comment:  “For if others see you, who possess knowledge, eating in the temple of an idol, might they not, since their conscience is weak, be encouraged to the point of eating food sacrificed to idols? So by your knowledge those weak believers for whom Christ died are destroyed.” In the Corinthian community we see people learning to live with one another and to care for each other as neighbors. Part of caring for one another includes awareness that others may misinterpret our actions when they do not possess the same knowledge. Gluskabe and the Four Wishes illustrates how dangerous a lack of awareness can be. In the tale, four men seek to have wishes granted by Gluskabe. Three of the men come to be destroyed by their own selfish motives and their failure to understand the wisdom of Gluskabe.

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:21-28

Riding to Washington by Gwenyth Swain (Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: In his commentary, Mike Graves suggests that Jesus’ teaching and ministry is about seeing justice served. “The healing word Jesus speaks, like the words he has spoken in the synagogue, cause things to happen… It is a new teaching, a new preaching. Not just information, but transformation.” (Feasting on the Word, Year B, Volume 1, p313) In Riding to Washington we witness the transformation of a young white girl who learns from experiences centered around justice. Typically a troublemaker, Janie is changed by the message of civil rights. As the story ends, we see her come into a fuller awareness of these teachings. “[I knew] the dream belonged not just to Dr. King and Mrs. Taylor and her husband, but to me and Daddy. And maybe even to that boy at the gas station, too.”

This week’s Lectionary Links post is written by regular contributor Noell Rathbun.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, January 22, 2012

Third Sunday after Epiphany

Year B: January 22, 2012

First Reading: Jonah 3:1-5, 10

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo (Written for ages 8-12)

Comment: In this passage from Jonah we experience two transformations. Jonah, transformed by his experience at sea, finally obeys God’s command to go to Nineveh. Miraculously, his message transforms the Ninevites, causing them to change from their wicked ways. Edward Tulane is a self-absorbed toy rabbit. The woman who had him made looks him in the eyes and says, “You disappoint me.” Soon after, Edward begins a journey of transformation when he falls overboard The Queen Mary. With each new experience, his maker’s face appears to him through various characters. Readers follow Edward as he learns about humility, love, and loss. Years later, when discovered by the girl who lost him, he truly is a transformed rabbit.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31

Mrs. Biddlebox by Linda Smith (Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: “For the present form of this world is passing away.” Eugene Eung-Chun Park writes that “it is remarkable that Paul’s eschatological hope envisions God’s direct intervention that would bring about a radical reconfiguration of such order, however unchangeable and invincible it may sound.” (Feasting on the Word, Year B, Volume 1, p 283) While we might not literally believe we are living in the end times, as followers of Christ, we live believing the brokenness of our present world can be healed through the transforming power of God’s love. Mrs. Biddlebox wakes up to a horrible day. Instead of accepting her world as it is, she decides to change it. She takes all the nastiness of the day and bakes it into a cake. As the day ends, her world is no longer gloomy and dark, but filled with joyful light.

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:14-20

Scuffy the Tugboat and His Adventure Down the River by Gertrude Crampton (Written for ages 2-4)

Comment: As we move into the gospel of Mark, we begin a journey. Simon and Andrew are persuaded to put down their nets and follow Jesus.  They can’t know what exactly lies ahead of them, but they set off on the journey. Similarly, the tugboat Scuffy goes on his own journey. Though he is not sure where it will lead, he’s open to exploring the world. Scuffy has many adventures; some are quite scary and others make him proud to be sailing along. Scuffy’s journey teaches him that the place for a toy tugboat is in the bathtub. As disciples of Jesus, our own journeys teach us to live into the new life God gives us in Christ.

This Lectionary Links post was written by regular contributor Noell Rathbun and Union Presbyterian Seminary student Rachel Mastin.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, January 15, 2012

Second Sunday after Epiphany

Year B: January 15, 2012

First Reading: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20)

Apt. 3 by Ezra Jack Keats  (Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: I have always appreciated the intergenerational relationship between Eli and Samuel.  Richard Boyce comments on their need of one another to hear what God has to say. In a time “when words from the Lord are rare, this listening and hearing becomes a communal affair.” (Feasting on the Word, Year B, Volume 1, p 247) Through community we hear and see more fully. In Apt. 3, sights, sounds, and colors of the outside world come alive for Sam and Ben as they listen to the blind man play his harmonica. Their new friendship opens them up to a fuller experience of the world around them. In these present days, when the word of the Lord and visions are not widespread, we too need community to help us listen and see. When we open our hearts and minds to one another, despite differences of age or ability, we are able to experience God in new ways.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

All of Me! A Book of Thanks by Molly Bang (Written for ages 3-7)

Comment: “Paul urges the Corinthians to remember that because their bodies are united to Christ, the Holy Spirit dwells in them, and their bodies are made sacred ‘temples’ by this indwelling. What they do in their bodies should therefore be oriented toward giving glory to God.” (Feasting on the Word, Year B, Volume 1, p 259) Ruthanna B. Hooke goes on to explain that this text has just as much to say to us today as it did for the Corinthians—what we do with our bodies matters! While we may not be ready to discuss sexuality with young children in our churches, it is never too early to help them learn to love and respect the bodies that God has given them. Molly Bang’s All of Me helps children celebrate their bodies with gratitude. As the book closes, children explore the idea that their bodies are a part of the universe and the universe is within them. This idea is a lovely opening to discuss what it is to be a part of the body of Christ and to carry to love of Jesus within our bodies. “What a wonder.”

Gospel Reading: John 1:43-51

Nicolas, Where Have You Been?  by Leo Lionni Mitchell (Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Educator Carolyn C. Brown suggests focusing on the fact that Nathanael had to overcome his own prejudice before he could follow Jesus. (Worshiping with Children: Year B – 2nd Sunday After Epiphany, 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time) Philip encouraged Nathanael to “Come and see,” helping him to overcome prejudice and begin a new relationship with Jesus. Leoni illustrates this concept in Nicolas, where have you been? In the beginning of the story all of the mice hate the birds for taking the best berries. By accident, Nicolas comes to know a family of birds and changes his mind. When Nicolas returns home to the other mice, he stops them from making war on the birds by sharing his story. Like Philip, Nicolas helps his friends to build a new relationship. Although overcoming prejudice is difficult, we see through these stories that it can be accomplished with the help of our friends.

This week’s Lectionary Links posts were written by regular contributor Noell Rathbun and Union Presbyterian Seminary student Rachel Mastin.