Lectionary Links: Sunday, July 14, 2013

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year C:  July 14, 2013

First Reading: Amos 7:7-17

House Held Up By Trees by Ted Kooser

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: In hearing today’s text, a number of adults and children may ask what a plumb line is and how it is used. This simple tool used in construction projects would tell a builder whether or not their walls were vertical, implying a secure foundation.  Willis Jenkins points out that God’s use of a plumb line in the text from Amos “illustrates a fatal flaw in the community’s structure… [and] implies the unavoidability of Israel’s death, for faulty construction must be torn down.” (Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 3, p 220) In abandoning and ceasing to care for God’s ways, the community’s foundation has become cracked and unstable. House Held Up By Trees tells the story of once sturdy home that begins to crack and break after it is no longer cared for and left abandoned. Using this text and story, wonder together with your congregation about the things that make a community’s foundations faulty or strong.

Second Reading: Colossians 1:1-14

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

(Written for ages 12+)

Comment: Through their relationship with Epaphras, Paul and Timothy have been made aware that the Colossians share their love and faith for Christ. This guides them to see the Colossians as brothers and sisters, to pray for them, and to wish them lives of endurance and strength as they seek to live out their faith. There are times when we feel connected to communities or people we have never met, but know only through the witness of a shared friend or loved one. These connections often drive our prayers and our actions. In Part Four of The Book Thief, Hans chooses to protect Max because Max’s father saved his own life in World War I. Though Hans does not know Max personally, he is tied to him through the relationship he had with Max’s father. This text and story remind us that we are bound to people far beyond the reach of our local communities. Who are the beloved brothers and sisters in Christ that your community prays and cares for despite the fact that they have never actually entered the doors of your church?

Gospel Reading: Luke 10:25-37

The Cat in the Rhinestone Suit by John Carter Cash

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “And who is my neighbor?” This question posed by the lawyer is one that many of us have pondered in our Christian journey. Through Jesus’ parable, we learn that sometimes our neighbors are the people we least expect. John Carter Cash has created a story parallel to Jesus’ parable with The Cat in the Rhinestone Suit. When Cat and his friends find themselves in a perilous situation a number of people pass them by. Finally they are saved by Cat’s enemy, the snake Del Moore. In this moment, their relationship changes. As the story ends, Cash answers the question of what it is to be a neighbor: “Greatest pals after all, they are seldom apart. To be a fine friend indeed is to lend to a friend in need. Let your good foot take the lead. Always give from the heart.”

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

Lectionary Links: Sunday, July 7, 2013

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year C:  July 7, 2013

First Reading: 2 Kings 5:1-14

Daisy Plays Hide-and-Seek by Ellie Sandall

(Written for ages 3-6)

Comment:  In this text from Second Kings, Naaman seeks a cure for his leprosy. When he meets the prophet Elisha, he is given a cure that seems much too simple. Naaman expected the cure he sought to be more difficult. In this story children will hone in on the hopefulness of finding something. While Naaman was trying to find a cure, Sandall’s storybook presents a form of seeking and finding that is more familiar to most children. While Naaman expected his search to be difficult, Jake expects his will be easy. For the majority of the game Daisy proves hard to find but in the end makes it easy for Jake to see her. Wonder together with your congregation about the things they have sought and found.

Second Reading: Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16

Ben Rides On by Matt Davies

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “So let us not grow weary in doing what is right… whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all…” In his words to the Galatians, we recognize that what Paul is asking is difficult, yet with Christ, not impossible. In Ben Rides On, Ben has a experience of choosing to do what is right after his bicycle is stolen. Rather than letting the thief perish on the side of the cliff, he rescues him. In the end, Ben reaps what he sows when the bully returns his repaired and like-new bike. This text and story call us to do the right thing, even when it is hard. Invite the people in your community to reflect upon their own experiences of choosing to do what was right, or being the recipient of such behavior.

Gospel Reading: Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

Always Room for One More by Sorche Nic Leodhas

(Written for ages 7-11)

Comment: This text highlights a level of hospitality shared both by those who welcome travelers, as well as the travelers themselves. To the seventy he sends out, Jesus advises that their peace rests with anyone who shares peace with them. In being welcomed, they are given the message that this is a place that is receptive of the good news and work of the gospel. Always Room for One More is a story based on a Scottish folk song. In the story, the family always offers hospitality and room to travelers. When it seems the room has run out, the travelers work to expand the space of welcome. In this sharing of hospitality, we see a picture of the kingdom of God coming near. This text and story invite us to ponder a radical hospitality that doesn’t require wealth, but is rooted in love.

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

Lectionary Links: Sunday, June 30, 2013

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year C:  June 30, 2013

First Reading: 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14

Thank You, Grandpa by Lynn Plourde

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment:  This text invites us to think about the ways our gifts for ministry are nurtured within us by those who go before us. Sometimes the process of grieving and saying good-bye can be paralyzing. At other times, it inspires us to remember and embody the things we’ve learned from the one we now mourn. After Elijah ascends into heaven, Elisha picks up his mentor’s mantle, and moves forward in his journey ready to follow his own path as a prophet. In response to this passage, Carrie N. Mitchell asks, “how has [a favorite mentor] nurtured us in our callings?” (Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 3, p 172) In Thank You, Grandpa, a little girl learns about the process of saying thank you and goodbye in the time she spends with her Grandpa. These lessons shape her, and help her to say thank you and goodbye to Grandpa once he is gone. Use this text and story to wonder together with your congregation about the people who have mentored and shaped them along their life journeys.

Second Reading: Galatians 5:1, 13-25

Zen Ties by Jon J. Muth

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “[The] fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control… If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.” This text presents a wonderful opportunity to explore the ways we experience the fruit of the Spirit at work in our world. In Zen Ties, the panda Stillwater plays a role not unlike the Spirit’s. He inspires children and his nephew in acts of love, generosity, and kindness for a mean neighbor. In time, she becomes a beloved friend to the children. See how many fruits of the Spirit your children can identify in this story and wonder together about the ways they live out these fruits in their own lives.

Gospel Reading: Luke 9:51-62

Otter and Odder: A Love Story by James Howe

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: This text serves to remind us that great commitment and difficult choices are required when one chooses to follow Jesus. Richard J. Shaffer Jr. comments that “Those who choose to follow in his path may find that they have no place to call home, either physically or culturally.” (Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 3, p 194) He goes on to explain that following our path can put us at odds with the world we live in, requiring us to make a choice and live in a way that might even be considered odd by those who have loved and raised us. Otter’s experience is not unlike the one described by Shaffer. When he falls in love with Myrtle the fish, his community goes on about how odd and abnormal he’s become. It is difficult for Otter to choose a different life, but in the end, he realizes that his relationship with Myrtle is his priority and he embraces being an odder otter.

This week’s Lectionary Links were written by regular contributor Noell Rathbun-Cook.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, June 23, 2013

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year C:  June 23, 2013

First Reading: 1 Kings 19:1-4, (5-7), 8-15a

Harriet’s Had Enough! by Elissa Haden Guest

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: In this text, Elijah runs away to save his life, yet prays to die once he reaches the wilderness. He has come to a point where he feels alone and out of options. Yet God stays with him, providing for him. When he finally hears God’s voice, he is told to go back the way he came. Like Elijah, Harriet is also determined to run away from her troubles. As she’s leaving, her family shows her love and care, and eventually she decides to turn back and stay. In realizing they are not alone, Elijah and Harriet are both able to return to their callings, Elijah as a prophet, and Harriet as a valued member of her family. Using these stories, explore the ways the people of your church are encouraged and strengthened in their own callings.

Second Reading: Galatians 3:23-29

I’m Like You, You’re Like Me by Cindy Gainer

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: Belonging to the church does not mean finding a community where everyone looks and thinks just as we do. According to Carol E. Holtz-Martin, Christ’s reconciling power is found in his making “one body out of an infinitely varied tapestry of believers.” (Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 3, p 163) Diversity can and does exist within the Church. Gainer’s book seeks to help young children understand the concepts of tolerance and diversity. “Even though we’re different in some ways, we can enjoy being together. We can show that we like and welcome each other. We can learn to accept each other.” This in essence, sums up this text for small children. To be unified in Christ is to belong together and welcome each other, embracing our distinctions and our similarities. Wonder together with the children of your church about the things that make them alike and the things that make them different.

Gospel Reading: Luke 8:26-39

The Boy Who Stuck Out His Tongue by Edith Tarbescu

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” When Jesus frees the man from the demons that have plagued him, his life is changed. This man who was once an outsider in his own city returns to it to share the good news of Christ. In many ways, The Boy Who Stuck Out His Tongue is also an outsider in his town. Plagued by the demons of rudeness and self-interest, he doesn’t seek to help or be kind to others. His behavior manages to get him stuck in a painful situation, and in the process of being saved, the boy is changed. Once he is freed, he vows to be a helper in his town. Wonder together about the ways being helped and cared for has changed people in your church for the better.

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

Lectionary Links: Sunday, June 16, 2013

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Year C:  June 16, 2013
First Reading: 1 Kings 21:1-10, (11-14), 15-21a
What the Ladybug Heard by Julia Donaldson
(Written for ages 4-8)
Comment: “I have found you. Because you have sold yourself to do what is evil in the sight of the Lord, I will bring disaster on you…” In today’s text, Ahab and Jezebel follow through with a wicked plan to take what doesn’t belong to them. While the full text is quite tragic and Naboth is unfairly executed, the story ends on a point that will make sense to children: wicked behavior has consequences. Through his words, Elijah makes it clear to Ahab that he will not get away with doing what is evil in the Lord’s sight. In Donaldson’s What the Ladybug Heard, farm animals use their voices to foil the wicked plan of a pair of thieves. The thieves’ attempt to steal the farm’s prized cow ends with them facing the consequence of jail. Inspired by these stories, wonder together with your congregation about the ways God calls us to use our voices against injustice.
Second Reading: Galatians 2:15-21
Not Your Typical Dragon by Dan Bar-el
(Written for ages 5-9)
Comment: Theologian Wendy Farley suggests that this text calls us to consider who we include or exclude from our communities. “If we think of a traditional practice as essential for faith, we exclude from our community lovers of Christ who practice differently than we do.” (Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 3, p 134) Christ living within us should open our hearts to loving and welcoming others, rather than judging or excluding. Different doesn’t have to mean bad. The dragons learn this in the story Not Your Typical Dragon. At first they have trouble accepting Crispin because he doesn’t breathe fire, but as the story ends they learn that there is space in their community for someone who is not your typical dragon. As we reflect on this text and story, we might ask ourselves who the Crispins are that we have excluded or welcomed within our own communities.
Gospel Reading: Luke 7:36-8:3
The Goblin and the Empty Chair by Mem Fox
(Written for ages 5-9)
Comment: For the sake of reflection imagine that you are hearing this story for the first time. You understand that a Pharisee is an upright member of the community and follower of the law. You expect good things from him. On the other hand a woman, particularly a sinful woman, would not be someone you would want to interact with or expect good behavior from. Yet in this story, it is the woman, not the Pharisee, who shows Jesus great love and hospitality. “And [Jesus] said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.’” We don’t expect much from the woman, yet her faith, as displayed through her acts of compassion, free her and bring her peace. The Goblin in Fox’s story is similar to the woman. He appears to us as a hideous character who remains hidden from world so that he will not frighten others. His compassionate acts towards a nearby family change his own perception of himself, save him from a life of loneliness, and bring him peace.

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

Lectionary Links: Sunday, June 9, 2013

10th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year C:  June 9, 2013

First Reading: 1 Kings 17:8-16, (17-24)

Mama Panya’s Pancakes by Mary and Rich Chamberlin

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment:  We certainly can’t fault the widow for being concerned that there was not enough food for her family, let alone to share with Elijah. Yet, Elijah assures her not to fear, but to trust that God will make enough. “She went and did as Elijah said, so that she as well as he and her household ate for many days. The jar of meal was not emptied, neither did the jug of oil fail…” Mama Panya shares similar concerns when it comes to feeding her family on very little money. Yet her son Adika invites all of their friends to come share a meal, faithful that there will be enough. In both of these stories, the act of hospitality leads to miraculous abundance. Use these stories to explore you own congregation’s experiences of sharing and abundance.

Second Reading: Galatians1:11-24

Freaks and Revelations by Davida Wills Hurwin

(Written for ages 16+)

**This YA novel contains mature content including sex, drugs, and strong language.**

Comment: “You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life… I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it.” In this text, Paul shares part of his story with the Galatians. Once he was a violent persecutor of Christians, now he proclaims the faith he once tried to destroy. In Freaks and Revelations, Jason, a gay teen living on the streets of LA, and Doug, a teenage skin head lock eyes during a violent encounter in an alley. Eighteen years later, they find themselves locking eyes again, this time to work together as employees of the Museum of Tolerance. Although it is disturbing and at times difficult to read, this book points to a powerful moment of transformation that follows a long journey of persecution. The program FROM HATE 2 HOPE shares more about the true story that inspired Hurwin’s novel.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 7:11-17

Square Cat by Elizabeth Schoonmaker

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: “When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her…” In his commentary on this text, Gregory Anderson Love discusses the way compassion leads to action. “This scene reveals Jesus’ compassionate character and intent toward us. He meets our needs, even when we are too torn apart to ask for help.” (Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 3, p 118) Eula the square cat is so unhappy, she loses her purr. Her friends Patsy and Maude, both round cats, recognize her sorrow and work to figure out how to make her feel better, and eventually, regain her purr. Use this simple story to help young children explore the way our compassion stirs our actions.

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

 

Lectionary Links: Sunday, June 2, 2013

9th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year C:  June 2, 2013

First Reading: 1 Kings 18:20-21, (22-29),30-39

Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “Then Elijah said to the people, ‘I, even I only, am left a prophet of the Lord; but Baal’s prophets number four hundred fifty.’” The people of Israel were faced with a decision–follow Baal or follow YHWH. While kids might not completely understand the idea of idolatry, they will connect with the notion of following the crowd. It would have been difficult to listen to Elijah, prophet for God, when he was up against 450 other people. Often we find it easier to follow the crowd, than the smaller voices that are meant to guide us. It’s hard for Jeremy to listen to his grandma’s advice about getting what he needs when he wants so badly to blend in with the crowd at school. Just about everyone has a pair of Those Shoes, and he wants them too.  With these these stories, explore the ways personal experience, paired with the voice of a guide, can help people come to the right decision.

Second Reading: Galatians 1:1-12

What If? by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

(Written for ages 3-7)

Comment: “Am I now seeking human approval, or God’s approval?” In the introduction to Paul’s letter to the Galatians, we see that he is trying to help the people recognize that they are faced with a choice. Paul’s language suggests that he wants this community to recognize that all choices have consequences. To follow the gospel would lead to a life free from the present evil age, but to follow a false gospel would  lead to being accursed. Often in caring for children we talk about choice and natural consequences. If I choose to do abc, then naturally xyz will occur. What If? is a simple picture book that explores the consequences of three different choices made in a particular situation. Wonder together with the children of your church about the way our choices create different outcomes. How do we listen for God in the midst of our decision making?

Gospel Reading: Luke 7:1-10

Albert the Fix-it Man by Janet Lord

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: “…they appealed to him earnestly, saying, ‘He is worthy of having you do this for him, for he loves our people…’” It is especially interesting to note the role the community plays in this story. They go to Jesus and speak on behalf of the centurion because of their love for him and his love for them. If it’s important to the centurion that his servant be healed, it’s important to the community. Like the centurion, Albert the Fix-it Man cares for his community, building and repairing things. When he finds himself in need, the same community he has loved and cared for reaches out to love and care for him. Use these stories to explore the vital role community plays in the life and well being of people and talk about the ways this is particularly lived out in your church.

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

Lectionary Links: Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013

Easter Sunday

Year C:  March 31, 2012

Additional suggestions for these texts may be found in our posts from Year A and Year B.

First Reading: Isaiah 65:17-25

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

(Written for ages 13 and up)

Comment: New creation is the hope that we cling to, and the hope that shapes lives bent towards justice, even as we continue to live in a world filled with weeping and distress. At the end of the Hunger Games trilogy, readers cling to the hope that the change in Panem’s leadership will mean that the people of these stories, who have suffered greatly, shall no longer labor in vain, or bear children for calamity. When Katniss asks Plutarch if there will be another war, he responds, “not now… but collective thinking is usually short-lived. We’re fickle, stupid beings with poor memories and a great gift for self-destruction…” (Chapter 27) Plutarch has a point, if life is up to us alone, it doesn’t seem there’s much to hope for; yet we are a resurrection people, who gather not because we believe in our own power, but because we believe in God’s power.  On this Easter Sunday, as we celebrate the resurrection, may we look for the ways we can take part in God’s restoration of our ailing world.

Second Reading: Acts 10:34-43

The Cherry Tree by Daisaku Ikeda

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “In Peter’s speech, the resurrection brings a new reality where Jew and Gentile as themselves contribute to a diverse witness to God’s mission in Christ… [The message of the resurrection] gives eternal hope… [and] also shakes the present world, bringing a new outlook.” (Fever, Kyle,  Commentary on Acts 10:34-43, WorkingPreacher.org) This text helps us remember that Easter is a day to share and celebrate stories of hope, new life, and new outlooks. The Cherry Tree is a story of despair and hope, death and resurrection, and a celebration of new life. Through the tending of a seemingly dead tree, two children and an old man help their war-torn village come back to life. With this text and story, let us reflect on the ways God calls us to be changed by the resurrection.

Gospel Reading: John 20:1-18 or Luke 24:1-12

Turtle Spring by Deborah Turney Zagwÿn

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: Though the story of that first Easter morning may seem old hat to we who have heard it year after year, one can only imagine the shock and surprise that met those who thought they were simply visiting a grave. What must it have been like to have realized that their beloved teacher, whom they thought to be dead, was actually alive? A small reflection of this kind of joy can be found in the story Turtle Spring. For the duration of the winter, Clee believes her turtle has died. When Spring emerges and she is playing near the compost heap, she discovers it is actually alive. “She could not believe her eyes… it was the best surprise.” Wonder together what it would be like to be Clee, or one of Jesus’ disciples, and help the children of your church celebrate the joy and surprise of the resurrection.

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

Lectionary Links: Sunday, March 24, 2013

6th Sunday in Lent

Year C:  March 24, 2013

Additional suggestions for these texts may be found in our posts from Year A and Year B

First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9a

One by Kathryn Otoshi

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: “I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together.” In this reading from Isaiah, we hear that God’s presence gives strength in the midst of conflict and trials. For children, this idea might be explored through the topic of bullying. Standing up to a bully alone is scary, but the presence of someone who is supportive can empower us and give us courage. In Otoshi’s book, One contends with the previously bullied colors, giving them the confidence to stand up to Red. Invite the children and adults of your congregation to share the ways God or other people have given them confidence to stand up to things in our sometimes scary world.

Second Reading: Philippians 2:5-11

A Little Peace of Me by Madeleine Lippey

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “…be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind…” Paul’s words encourage us to live and work for God’s desires. What would it look like if we were of the same mind? If God’s dreams for the world we our own? This idea is explored in 16-year-old Lippey’s A Little Peace of Me when three children on three different continents share the same dream of peace. While I think adults are more likely to connect with the text of Lippey’s book, the broader idea of the three children’s shared dream will be accessible for children. The book encourages us to ask ourselves how we have sought to give a piece of ourselves to peace this Lenten season.

Gospel Reading for the Liturgy of the Passion: Luke 22:14-23:56

Grandma’s Purple Flowers by Adjoa J. Burrowes or Mama by Eleanor Schick

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “Do this in remembrance of me.” In the act of sharing communion, we remember Jesus, even thought his bodily presence is no longer among us. Our senses connect strongly to our memories, helping us to hold on to the people, places, and things that we value. This idea of remembering can be found in two children’s books where young girls experience a loss in their family. In Burrowes’s story, the granddaughter’s memories are stirred by purple flowers: “I think of Grandma. I feel her big hug…” In Schick’s story, the daughter finds comfort in actions that spark memories of experiences with her mother: “I know you’re with me. All the time, in everything.” In the sacrament of communion, and in the hearing of stories such as these, may our memories bring us comfort and connection to the ones we love.

Gospel Reading for the Liturgy of the Palms: Luke 19:28-40

Glory by Nancy White Carlstrom

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: “As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice…” The Pharisees do not seem to appreciate this praising of God and ask Jesus to silence his disciples. His response of “if these [disciples] were silent, the stones would shout out,” suggests that God, who is worthy of praise, will always be praised, whether it be by humans or some other form of creation, such as stones. Glory is a wonderful example of different creatures praising God. Take time today to explore the ways people and other parts of creation have been made to praise God.

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

Lectionary Links: Sunday, March 10, 2013

4th Sunday in Lent

Year C:  March 10, 2013

First Reading: Joshua 5:9-12

The Way We Do It In Japan by Geneva Cobb Iijima

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: For this generation, desert wandering and manna have been the familiar, normative way of life. Now they prepare to leave it behind to settle in the land of Canaan and eat the fruits of its field. What is it like to move to a new home, to leave behind the things you’ve known? In his commentary on the text, Daniel M. Debevoise wonders if they were sick of manna or they would miss it. He suggests their experience of new flavors signifies a new stage in life. (Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 2, p100) In The Way We Do It In Japan, Gregory experiences new flavors, languages, and customs. Even in the midst of a life transition, people often hold on to something familiar. For the Israelites it is the practice of Passover, for Gregory it’s a lunch of PB&Js.

**If you’re looking to explain Passover to the children in your church, check out The Miracles of Passover by Josh Hanft.

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Jane & Mizmow by Matthew S. Armstrong

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation…” As members of Christ’s body, we are called to participate in the ministry of reconciliation. Reconciliation is a big word with a powerful meaning. Explore with the children of your church about what it means to be reconciled. In hearing about the friendship of Jane & Mizmow,  children will see a friendship form, break, and be repaired. This simple story beautifully illustrates the sorrow of broken relationship and the joy of reconciliation.

Gospel Reading: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

(Written for ages 3-7)

Comment: “But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.” As we think about the father running to welcome his son home, we imagine he must have tirelessly waited and watched for his boy, so full was his heart with love for his son. This extravagant love and grace is mirrored in the classic children’s book The Runaway Bunny. The bunny dreams of all the ways he can run away from his mother, yet in the end, she is there to catch him in her arms, hug him, and feed him a carrot.

**Another book that has been reviewed in Lectionary Links before but would connect well with this text is Down The Road by Alice Shertle.

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