6 October 2024: Proper 22/Ordinary 27 – B

6 October 2024 – Proper 22/Ordinary 27-Year B

Lectionary Texts: Job 1:1, 2:1-10; Psalm 26; Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12; Mark 10:2-16

Below, you will find a story, a shorter version (less than 300 words) that could be used as a reflection in newsletters, and some sermon topics and ideas based on the Sunday lectionary readings.

The story will be based on one of the topics, which will be identified, and my sermon topic will also be identified.

You Are Loved - Kindness RockA Ripple of Kindness

In a small coastal town, a young girl named Lily discovered an old, weathered rock on the beach. As she turned it over in her hands, she noticed the soft curves and unique colours glimmering in the sunlight. Inspired, Lily decided to turn the rock into something special. She ran home, grabbed her art supplies, and painted a bright sun with the words “You are loved” in bold, cheerful letters.

The next day, Lily returned to the beach and carefully placed her creation near a busy path. She felt a flutter of excitement as she imagined the smile it would bring to someone’s face. It was a simple act, but in that moment, she understood that kindness didn’t have to be grand; it could start with something small.

As the days passed, Lily painted more rocks—some adorned with flowers, others with friendly animals, and a few with uplifting phrases like “Believe in yourself” and “You matter.” Each rock she left behind seemed to spark joy in those who stumbled upon them. She watched as people laughed and pointed, their eyes lighting up at the unexpected surprises dotting the landscape.

One afternoon, as Lily was placing her newest rock, she noticed a boy sitting alone on a nearby bench, his head hung low. Curious, she approached him and learned that his name was Max, and he had recently moved to the town. He felt lonely and out of place, missing his old friends.

Without hesitation, Lily invited him to help her paint rocks. “We can spread kindness together,” she said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. Max, initially hesitant, soon joined her. As they painted, laughter filled the air, and their conversation flowed easily. Lily shared her love for the beach while Max spoke about his favourite video games.

Their shared project became a beautiful outlet for their creativity and feelings. With each rock they painted, they created not just art but a friendship. They began to explore the town together, leaving kindness rocks in parks, libraries, and along busy streets. Each stone became a beacon of hope, a reminder that they were not alone in their struggles.

As the summer rolled on, their little initiative grew. More children joined in, inspired by the colourful rocks they found. Soon, Lily and Max organized a community gathering at the beach, inviting everyone to paint rocks together. Parents, teachers, and friends came, creating a vibrant mosaic of colours and messages, each rock infused with love and care.

The rocks began to have a ripple effect. People from all walks of life shared their stories of finding a rock just when they needed encouragement. One elderly woman recounted how a simple stone with the word “joy” helped lift her spirits after losing her husband. A teenager expressed how a rock painted with “hope” inspired her to keep pushing through a difficult time at school. Each story connected back to the heart of the project: kindness could change lives, one small act at a time.

As the sun set on that joyful day, Lily, Max, and their friends stood together, admiring the sea of colourful rocks that now dotted their town. They felt a profound sense of purpose, knowing they had created something bigger than themselves. The rocks were more than just stones; they were symbols of community, connection, and love.

Years passed, and the small coastal town transformed into a magical place known far and wide as the “Rock of Kindness.” The streets and beaches sparkled with vibrant rocks, each one telling a story of hope, friendship, and compassion. Tourists from all over the world flocked to the town, drawn by the tales of its colourful stones and the warmth of its people.

Children and families visited to paint their own kindness rocks, contributing to the ever-growing collection of colourful reminders that love and kindness could change the world. The spirit of generosity thrived, creating a legacy that inspired everyone who entered.

And so, the town thrived, its heart beating in time with the laughter of children and the joy of giving. The ripples of kindness spread far and wide, reminding everyone that even in the chaos of life, a small act of love could create a lasting impact.

And they all lived happily ever after, surrounded by the beauty of their colourful rocks, knowing that kindness truly has the power to change the world.

Disclaimer: This story is inspired by the actual Kindness Rocks Project.

A Ripple of Kindness
(shorter version)

In a small coastal town, a young girl named Lily discovered a weathered rock on the beach and painted it with a bright sun and the words “You are loved.” She placed it on a path where children played, sparking joy in those who found it. Inspired by her act of kindness, Lily painted more rocks adorned with uplifting messages.

One day, she met Max, a lonely boy who had just moved to town. Lily invited him to join her in painting rocks, and together, they created a beautiful friendship through their shared project. They spread kindness by leaving their painted rocks in parks and along busy streets, each one serving as a beacon of hope.

As summer passed, their initiative grew, and they organized a community gathering at the beach. Families came together to paint rocks, creating a vibrant mosaic of colours and messages. The rocks touched the hearts of many, inspiring stories of encouragement and resilience. An elderly woman found comfort in a rock that read “joy,” while a teenager was motivated by one that said “hope.”

The town transformed into the “Rock of Kindness,” filled with colourful stones that symbolized community and love. Tourists flocked to the town, eager to paint their own kindness rocks and contribute to the ever-growing collection.

Years later, the spirit of generosity thrived, leaving a legacy of compassion that reminded everyone that even small acts of love could create lasting change. The town flourished, living happily ever after, surrounded by the beauty of its colourful rocks and the warmth of its people.

Disclaimer: This story is inspired by the actual Kindness Rocks Project.

Sermon Topics and Ideas

The following sermon topics and ideas are for Proper 22/Ordinary 27 in Year B.

  1. Job 1:1, 2:1-10
    • Remaining Faithful in Suffering
      • Idea: Job remains faithful to God despite his intense suffering. Explore the challenge of maintaining faith when life falls apart and what it means to trust God in the darkest times.
      • Application: Encourage the congregation to reflect on how they respond to their own struggles and to see Job’s story as an example of perseverance.
    • The Upside-Down Nature of Blessing in Suffering
      • Idea: In the Hebrew scriptures, the book of Job never uses the word “curse”. Instead, it uses the word “bless.” The word “bless” is used in unexpected ways. Satan predicts that Job will “bless” God in defiance, and Job’s wife urges him to “bless God and die.” These examples suggest that blessing God during suffering may not be the proper response. Does God want us to express our dissatisfaction and anger openly rather than offering hollow praise in the face of adversity?
      • Application: Challenge the congregation to consider whether their relationship with God allows for honesty during times of suffering, encouraging them to see genuine expression of struggle as an integral part of faith.
  2. Psalm 26
    • Walking in Integrity
      • Idea: The psalmist speaks of walking with integrity and trusting in God without wavering. What does it mean to live with integrity in a world that often prioritises self-interest or compromise?
      • Application: Encourage reflection on personal integrity, challenging the congregation to consider how their actions align with their faith.
    • A Clean Heart in a Troubled World
      • Idea: Psalm 26 emphasises a heart free of deceit, and a life lived in trust. How can we remain pure and sincere in our devotion to God in a world filled with dishonesty and turmoil?
      • Application: Guide the congregation to examine their inner lives and rely on God to maintain purity and truth.
  3. Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12
    • The Supremacy of Christ
      • Idea: The passage from Hebrews highlights the supremacy of Christ over all things, even the angels. How does this truth shape our understanding of who Jesus is and His role in our lives?
      • Application: Challenge the congregation to rethink their relationship with Jesus, acknowledging His authority and deep connection to all creation.
    • The Humanity of Christ
      • Idea: Although Christ is above all, He also shared in our humanity and suffering. How does Christ’s willingness to be made lower than the angels for a time impact how we approach our struggles?
      • Application: Encourage the congregation to find hope in Christ’s identification with our pain, knowing He truly understands what suffering means.
  4. Mark 10:2-16
    • Embracing Vulnerability: Children and the Kingdom of God †
      • Idea: Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it like children—open, vulnerable, and humble. In Jesus’ time, children were seen as insignificant and dependent, whereas today’s education and societal norms often give children more agency and confidence. Does this make them less humble or innocent, or are there deeper qualities of child-like faith that transcend cultural differences?
      • Application: Invite the congregation to consider what it means to embrace vulnerability and openness in their faith, following Jesus’ example of welcoming children and valuing child-like trust in God.
    • Divorce and the Integrity of Commitment
      • Idea: Jesus’ teaching on divorce in Mark 10 can be challenging, as He reinforces the sanctity of marriage. What does this teaching say about our understanding of commitment and faithfulness today?
      • Application: Invite reflection on the integrity of personal commitments and how we live out our promises in various relationships.
    • The Radical Welcome of God
      • Idea: Jesus’ embrace of children and His teaching that the kingdom belongs to those who receive it like a child challenge us to reconsider who is welcome in God’s fellowship. What does having a child-like openness in receiving God’s love mean?
      • Application: Encourage the congregation to consider how welcoming they are to the vulnerable and marginalised in society, reflecting Jesus’ radical inclusiveness.

† The story above is based on this Topic
‡ My sermon will be based on these Topics/ideas

Other Lectionary Resources

These resources are based on the lectionary readings.

  • A Sermon for every Sunday – FREE lectionary-based video sermons by America’s best preachers for use in worship, Bible study, small groups, Sunday school classes, or for individual use. All you do is push the button.
  • Laughing Bird – a gift to the wider Church from the South Yarra Community Baptist Church in Melbourne, Australia. Has several sermons, prayers and the lectionary bible readings.
  • The Lutheran Church of Australia – A worship planning resource that includes many parts of the service, including song selections, sermons, visual arts, children’s resources, and others.
  • Lectionary Liturgies – A full liturgy for each Sunday based on the lectionary readings for the week. These are liturgies that I prepare for the congregation I serve and make available to others.

 

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