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 17, 2013

5th Sunday in Lent

Year C:  March 17, 2013

First Reading: Isaiah 43:16-21

Demolition by Sally Sutton

(Written for ages 3-6)

Comment:  In her commentary on the text, Kristen Johnston Largen asks, “can we hope that God is still at work in our lives, creating a future for us where no future seems possible?” (Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 2, p 126) If we are to believe the word spoken by Isaiah, the answer is yes. Where we might bemoan a hopeless future, God responds, “I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” God takes the things of old and makes them into something new, giving us a future full or hope and promise. This vision of turning the old into new can be seen in the book Demolition. Readers watch the destruction and recycling of an old abandoned building, and experience the joy of the bright new playground that is established in its place. This story and the text from Isaiah help us to explore the places where we see God doing new things.

Second Reading: Philippians 3:4b-14

Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie dePaola

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ… For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things… in order that I may gain Christ.” Paul shares his personal story with the Philippians in order to help them recognize the value of faith in, and belonging to Christ. Though he had plenty in life to boast about, he set it all aside for Christ. This text extends an invitation to share stories of people who have set things aside in their own lives to follow Christ. Patrick, the saint of Ireland, is one of these people. He had the option to live comfortably with his family in Britain, yet he left the life he loved behind in order to share the love of Christ with the Irish people.

Gospel Reading: John 12:1-8

Thank You Bear by Greg Foley

(Written for ages 3-6)

Comment: Everyone has an opinion when it comes to gift giving.  Certainly questions came up when Mary gave Jesus the gift of nard and anointed his feet. Judas was quick to point out that this was a waste of money. Maybe others in the room were asking questions as well.  Why did she give it? What was her motive? Was it appropriate? Bear comes up against questions when he finds the perfect gift for mouse. Others are quick to point out problems with the gift, leaving Bear to wonder if it’s so great after all. Perhaps Mary also paused to wonder about her gift as Judas criticized it. In both stories, love is at the root of giving, and love is expressed in the receiving. As we reflect upon our own offerings, may love remain central to both our giving and receiving.

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

Lectionary Links: Sunday, February 24, 2013

2nd Sunday in Lent
Year C:  February 24, 2013
First Reading: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Curse in Reverse by Tom Coppinger
(Written for ages 5-9)
Comment: God blesses Abraham with the good news that he will not remain childless, but will in fact have as many descendants as there are stars. While Abraham believes this promise, he questions God’s giving of land. Daryl M. Trimiew suggests “too often we find divine generosity so overwhelming that we dispute it.” (Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 2, p 50) Sometimes, when our lives feel especially blessed, we might say we’re waiting for the other shoe to drop, as if a curse will inevitably follow a blessing. We see this nervous anticipation in the couple who receive a curse in reverse. They believe their baby is a blessing from God, and yet they nervously wait for the results of the witch’s curse. She must convince them that a curse in reverse is a blessing.
Second Reading: Philippians 3:17-4:1
Me Too! by Jamie Harper
(Written for ages 5-9)
Comment: “Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us.” Imitation is certainly not a new concept to children. While they love to imitate the people they admire, they often hate to be imitated. In Me Too, Grace is sick of her sister constantly trying to imitate her. Grace remains annoyed throughout the story until she realizes that she imitates her beloved swim coach. As the story ends, rather than escape her sister’s, “me too,” Grace decides to help her. Paul encourages us to practice imitation, that we might learn how to be followers of Christ through it. Wonder together with the children of your church about the ways we help one another to be imitators of Christ.
Gospel Reading: Luke 13:31-35
The Tale of Tricky Fox retold by Jim Aylesworth
(Written for ages 5-9)
Comment: In his response to the Pharisees, Jesus calls Herod a fox. Rodney Clapp suggests that in doing this, Jesus names the death-dealing of those who “want to see themselves as masters of the universe, invulnerable and imperial behind their relentless, foxy maneuvering.” (Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 2, p 72) Our wise teacher Jesus will not be fooled by their foxy mischief. The tale of Tricky Fox is the story of another wise teacher who isn’t fooled by the fox’s foxy maneuvering. Through the teacher’s wisdom, the fox is changed and gives up his tricky ways. In Jesus’ longing to gather the children of Jerusalem to him, we see that his desire is for them to give up their foxy ways, and recognize their own belonging in his brood.

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

Lectionary Links: Sunday, December 16, 2012

3rd Sunday in Advent

Year C:  December 16, 2012

First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-20

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Gloria Houston

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “At that time I will bring you home, at that time when I gather you; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the people’s of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the Lord.” Zephaniah speaks to a people weighed down by great distress. “God brings good news to all people through the promise of Messiah and the final kingship of the Lord.” (Moland-Kovash, Seth, Feasting on the Word, Year C: Volume 1, p 55). This is a time to pray and work for restoration in our lives and the lives of neighbors around the world.  This is also the time to tell stories of restoration and to witness the joy that restoration brings. The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree is a story of hardship, love, restoration, and joy.

Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7

The Christmas Witch by Steven Kellogg

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment:  Paul tells us that through Jesus, we will know God’s peace. God’s peace affects the way we feel inside and the way we live out our lives. We are moving closer to the day where we celebrate Christ’s coming into a world in need of God’s peace. The Christmas Witch  is the story of a world in need of peace. Gloria is empowered to live a life of gentleness when she learns of Christmas, and she has a desire to share that joy with others. Like Paul, she encourages her friends to discover joy, gentleness, and peace within themselves. “Remember how happy you were when the magic of Christmas entered your hearts…” They seek to live in a new way, filled with love and light.As we journey through Advent, may we also be changed the magic of Christmas and the peace that comes through Christ Jesus.

Gospel Reading: Luke 3:7-18

Just Right for Christmas by Birdie Black

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: John calls the people to repent and change their ways. They are called to a life of sharing and fairness.  This way of living envisions a world of enough, where people’s needs are met. John even encourages tax collectors to “collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” This time of year can easily become consumed by Christmas wish lists and over indulging on sweet treats. We get sucked into a trance of more, more, more! John’s words remind us to consider our needs in regard to the needs of others. Birdie Black’s story is one that celebrates the idea of there being enough for everyone. Rather than throwing scraps away, they are used, as everyone has need, to create a bright Christmas for the ones they love.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, December 9, 2012

2nd Sunday in Advent

Year C:  December 9, 2012

First Reading: Malachai 3:1-4

Catching the Fire: Philip Simmons, Blacksmith by Mary E. Lyons

(Written for ages 8-12)

Comment: “For he is like a refiner’s fire…” In reflecting upon this text, I was caught up in the image of a refiner’s fire. Fire is so often regarded as something to fear, and rightfully so–it can cause destruction, pain, and even death. This fire, however, is not destructive, but constructive. A refiner takes a lump of metal and turns it into art, releasing the full potential of what it might be. This imagery is explored in the work of Philip Simmons, a blacksmith from Charleston, SC. “Mr. Simmons can hammer life into a dead lump of iron.” (Catching the Fire, Introduction) This is, essentially, what it is to be shaped by the refiner’s fire and changed by our experience of God.

Second Reading: Philippians 1:3-11

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: A number of commentators focus on the power of friendship displayed in Paul’s letter to the Philippians. This text stands as an invitation for us to be changed and deepened by friendship, to discover the ways friendship causes our love to overflow more and more. Jonathan Toomey is a man shaped and changed by friendship and love. In his growing friendship with the widow and her son and his experience of the Christmas story through the eyes of the young boy, Toomey’s heart opens to new opportunities for love and joy. May we also seek to nurture deep friendships that change us, and cause us to grow in love.

Gospel Reading: Luke 3:1-6

Out of the Way! Out of the Way! by Uma Krishnaswami

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “Prepare the way of the Lord…” Advent invites us to a time of reorientation. We are called to prepare our hearts and homes to welcome Jesus. John is calling us to withdraw from our distractions and the hustle-and-bustle of life.  John is calling us to turn our focus to the one who is coming. The crooked and rough paths of our lives can sometimes serve to distract us from the true destination. They are like the busy streets described in Krishnaswami’s book: when the people abandon their busy “out of the way” focus, they find they can stop and listen. We, too are called to slow down, to focus on the coming Lord, and to listen.

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

Lectionary Links: Sunday, April 1, 2012

6th Sunday in Lent

Year B:  April 1 2012

The 6th Sunday in Lent offers a plethora of scripture choices, for additional ideas, check out the Lectionary Links from last year’s post.

First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9a

A Voice from the Wilderness: The Story of Anna Howard Shaw by Don Brown

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “Through the servant, God evokes a different kind of power: the power to teach, the power to sustain the weary, the power to listen, the power to endure.” (Feasting on the Word, Year B, Volume 2,  p 162) In his commentary, Richard Floyd goes on to describe servants who have sought to live by this power evoked by God. In A Voice from the Wilderness, we see how Anna Howard Shaw was a woman who lived by such power. “By most measures, [her] life had been filled with struggle. But Anna had used her own scale and had kept her own measurements, and that made all the difference–to her and to us.”

Second Reading: Philippians 2:5-11

Praise for the Singing: Songs for Children by Madelaine Gill

(Written for all ages)

Comment: In this text, Paul is using a hymn to speak to the Philippians. When discussing this text with children, you have an opportunity to discuss the purpose of songs in scripture, worship, and life together. Music plays an important role in our praise of God and the sharing of our theology. Often, music helps us to grow and learn. Praise for the Singing is an illustrated book of hymns that include music which tells the stories of our faith as well as songs of worship and praise.

Gospel Reading for the Liturgy of the Passion: Mark 14:1-15:47

The Life of Jesus by Sally Grindley

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: As we begin Holy Week, it seems most appropriate to focus on the Biblical story of the Passion Narrative. Children enjoy hearing stories again and again. Important stories of our faith, such Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection can never be shared too many times. Choose a storybook Bible or children’s book, such as The Life of Jesus, to share with children on this day and throughout the coming week.

Gospel Reading for the Liturgy of the Palms: Mark 11:1-11 or John 12:12-16

Pippa at the Parade by Kara Roosa

(Written for ages 3-6)

Comment: For young children, I find it helpful to explore the feelings that might have been felt by people welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem. Discussing the experience of watching or participating in a parade will help children to identify with those shouting “Hosanna!” Pippa experiences the sights, sounds, excitement, and even exhaustion that come with celebrating in a parade. When reading Pippa’s story alongside the text of the Palms, take time to wonder together. How is Pippa’s experience like those of the people waving branches? How is it different?

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

Lectionary Links: Sunday, October 9, 2011

28^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year A:  October 9, 2011

First Reading:  Exodus 32: 1-14

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

(Written for ages  4-8)

Comment:  God tells Moses that the people of Israel whom Moses has left at the foot of mountain have “been quick to turn aside from the way that I commanded them.”  They have been disobedient and irresponsible, calling for a new leader and a new idol to worship as their god.  In Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Peter, too, is disobedient and irresponsible.  He ignores his mother’s warnings not to go into Mr. McGregor’s garden.  And like the Lord’s wrath burning against Israel, Peter almost suffers a dire fate at the hands of Mr. McGregor.  However, in both stories, the disobedient ones are ultimately reconciled to those whom they disobeyed—but with greater knowledge and wiser hearts.

Second Reading:  Philippians 4:1-9

Walter Was Worried by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment:  Paul exhorts the Philippians to “stand firm in the Lord in this way” and then urges them, among other things, not to “worry about anything, but by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”  Paul urges them to seek the “peace of God” always, so that they may be comforted.  In Walter Was Worried,  Walter’s worry, and his other classmates’ various emotions, show on their very faces!  A storm has come up, but as time passes, the storm gives way to clear skies, to peace.  In the same way, the Philippians, in their worries, must seek by prayer the peace that comes from God through the storms of life.

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 22:  1-14

The Berenstain Bears and the In-Crowd by Stan and Jan Berenstain

(Written for ages  4-8)

Comment:  This is a very difficult parable to use with children, due to its complexity and its very dark imagery and unsettling ending.  It is also difficult due to the fact that it has been used for purposes of exclusion in the church and in talking about who is and is not included in the kingdom of heaven.  These exclusive interpretations are troubling in most cases, but particularly when talking with children of today who encounter increasing amounts of bullying and exclusive, clique behavior in their daily lives at school.  To that end, I believe that the parable can be more gently interpreted by highlighted the king’s final act:  the king ultimately sends invitations to “everyone you can find” to the wedding banquet, and those who arrive are “both good and bad, so the hall was filled with guests.”  The book, The Berenstain Bears and the In-Crowd shows Sister Bear dealing with the same issues of exclusivity and bullying that children today face, when a new bear, Queenie, comes to school and proceeds to form a bullying clique, leaving some people out.  At first, Sister’s solution is to try and be exclusive like the clique, but she realizes that is not really her, and that by including others, school becomes happier and Queenie’s clique is no longer able to “rule”.  Like the king in the parable, Sister Bear invites everyone, and so life is full of good friends and fun.  Queenie, on the other hand, is exclusive and only invites a few people—and is left begging to be included by Sister (which, of course, Sister does).  This parable is difficult in any case to impart to children, but by using this book it can become an opportunity for the church to express care for the day-to-day struggles of the children in our pews.

This Lectionary Links post was written by Union Presbyterian Seminary alumna Sara Anne Berger.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, October 2, 2011

27^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year A:  October 2^nd, 2011 (World Communion Sunday)

First Reading:  Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20

If Everybody Did by Jo Ann Stover

(Written for ages 3-5)

Comment:  This passage outlines the ten commandments given to the people of Israel by God.  These commandments were intended to protect people and to keep the community functioning at its best.  In If Everybody Did, we get a chance to see, in hilarious illustrations, the repercussions of having NO rules—if everybody did whatever they wanted!  While a hilarious look at such a situation, the book underscores the importance of having rules to guide, just as the ten commandments do for us.

Second Reading:  Philippians 3:4b-14

The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper

(Written for ages 4-8 )

Comment:  “Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus”, Paul concludes in this passage.  He presses on through the “loss of all things” in order to “gain Christ” and with a righteousness “from God based on faith”.  He encourages the Philippians to follow his example of persevering toward the goal.  So, too, does the Little Engine in the Little Engine that Could encourage children to press on toward goals.  This classic story of the Little Engine who kept trying against all odds to make its delivery still inspires, and we in our lives of pressing toward the goal of Christ can echo its refrain, “I think I can! I think I can! I think I can!”

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 21:  33-46

Everybody Needs a Rock by Byrd Baylor

(Written for ages  4-8)

Comment:  The parable of the wicked tenants is a dark and graphic story in the New Testament.  But at its close, Jesus comments on the story using the imagery of rocks.  Jesus says, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone, this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes.”  The wicked tenants refused to see what was very important right in front of their eyes, and the builders rejected a rock that did not seem good in their eyes, but in God’s eyes that very rock is the best rock and in God’s eyes all things are important.  The little girl in Everybody Needs a Rock also sees what’s important right in front of her eyes, and she notices what is best about all kinds of rocks!  She sees their beauty and notices their details.  She sees them how God sees them.  God makes the rejected stones the chief cornerstones, and sees the importance of all people and things.  Like God and like the little girl in the story, we should strive to do so, as well.

This Lectionary Links post was written by Union Presbyterian Seminary alumna Sara Anne Berger.

World Communion Sunday

Bread is for Eating by David and Phillis Gershator (Written for Ages 5-9)

Comment: When I develop children’s learning experiences around World Communion Sunday, they almost always involve tasting many different kinds of bread. It’s helpful to make the connection that bread is a major food source for people around the world. I love this book because it is like a prayer of thanksgiving for each member of creation that takes part in bringing bread to our table. The story also includes a page devoted to “the people around the world, dreaming of bread.” In the illustration, they are gathered together as if they are in a family portrait. You’ll want to share this poignant image of world communion with all the children you know! For those who would like to make liturgical connections, a song in Spanish is sung repeatedly throughout the story. (An English translation and music are on the last page.) You could either find a way to incorporate this song into your worship service, or when you tell the story, replace the song with a familiar hymn refrain used by your congregation on Sundays when communion is shared.

Thanks to regular contributor Noell Rathbun for this extra suggestion on this Sunday.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011

26^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year A:  September 25^th, 2011

First Reading:  Exodus 17: 1-7

I Will Surprise My Friend!  by Mo Willems

(Written for ages 4-8 )

Comment:  This story from Exodus contains an awesome surprise.  Just when the Israelites are most thirsty, just when they’re complained to Moses and God and still seen no water, just when Moses brings them to a ROCK of all things—the Lord surprises them.  Water springs from the rock!  Life in God is full of surprises, of treasures in unexpected places.  Piggie and Elephant in I Will Surprise MyFriend also know the joy of surprises.  They have an argument, but afterward they see two squirrels surprise each other and decide that would be fun to surprise each other, too.  They both hide…and wait…and wait.  Finally, both decide that the other has left and get up to leave and—surprise!  Piggie and Elephant surprise each other and the Lord surprises the Israelites.  Oour God is full of surprises.

Second Reading:  Philippians 2: 1-13

Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss

(Written for ages4-8)

Comment:  Paul exhorts the Philippians “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.”  He reminds them of Christ’s example of humility as the one we must follow.  In Dr. Seuss’s famous story Yertle the Turtle, the king is not humble.  In fact, he stands on the backs of the other turtles of the kingdom until one, Yertle, can’t take it anymore.  The ensuing rebellion leaves the king down in the mud because he was too proud and not humble.

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 2123-32

The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson

(Written for ages 4-8 )

Comment:  In Jesus’ parable, two brothers have very different reactions.  One tells his father “Yes, I will go to the vineyard” but does not go.  The other says, “No I will not go” but does, ultimately, go.  The story shows us that one’s actions speak louder than words.  What you do is more telling than what you say.  In The Other Side, Annie and Clover do something VERY telling—they cross a forbidden fence dividing whites and blacks, and sit on it together, as friends.  When their friends question them, their answers don’t matter.  They are together are friends and their actions speak for themselves, just as the brothers’ actions spoke for them in Jesus’ parable.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, September 18, 2011

25^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year A:  September 18^th, 2011

First Reading:  Exodus 16:2-15

Bread and Jam for Frances by Russell Hoban

(Written for ages 4-8 )

Comment:  The Israelites complain that what they ate in Egypt would be better than where they are now, with no food in sight!  Moses tells them to cry out to God, and God listens and satisfies them.  Frances in Bread and Jam for Frances, like many children (or badgers!), complains about her food, too.  All of her complaints are heard by her mother, and through some interesting methods, is able to get Frances both to eat—and be satisfied with her food!

Second Reading:  Philippians 1:21-30

The Fire Cat by Esther Holden Averill

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment:  Paul writes that the Philippians share “the same struggle” as urges them all the same to “live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ”.  Doing so means great reward for them, even as there are struggles on the way.  Pickles the cat, in The Fire Cat, also struggles and only finds mischief to do—that is, until he finds that he can help the firefighters because of his unique-sized paws!  He begins to live a life of helping, one that could be considered ‘worthy of the gospel’, and finds that his struggles are rewarded.

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 20:1-16

It’s Not Fair! By Amy Rosenthal

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment:  The first laborers in the story of the vineyard workers come to the end of their day and grumble, “these last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us…”  It’s a roundabout way of saying “It’s not fair!”  The vineyard owner assures them that “the first will be last and the last will be first”—that they who received their pay last could still be first at other times.  These feelings of unfairness resonate with everyone, though, and the book It’s Not Fair and its great illustrations bring home the idea that we all feel that way—and that we’ll all get our chance for fairness, that the first and last aren’t stuck in those places.

This Lectionary Links post was written by recent Union Presbyterian Seminary graduate Sara Anne Berger.