
20 October 2024 – Proper 24/Ordinary 29-Year B
Lectionary Texts: Job 38:1-7 (34-41); Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c; Hebrews 5:1-10; Mark 10:35-45
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.
The Festival of Hope: A Tale of Unity in Harmonia
Once upon a time, in the vibrant kingdom of Harmonia, there lived a wise and benevolent ruler named King Alaric. Renowned for his hospitality, he led the Council of Welcoming Hearts, a gathering of diverse citizens who worked together to create a realm filled with joy and abundance. Under King Alaric’s guidance, the kingdom flourished, with lush gardens, sparkling rivers, and the laughter of children ringing throughout the land.
King Alaric was not a ruler who hid behind castle walls, issuing commands from a distant throne. Instead, he believed in the transformative power of collaboration. Each week, he invited his subjects to gather around the Circle of Ideas, a grand bonfire in the town square where they shared their stories and dreams. The flames flickered in the night, illuminating faces filled with hope, as the king would declare, “In Harmonia, every voice matters! Together, we can create a brighter future!”
One fateful day, a dark cloud loomed over the kingdom, heralding the arrival of a fierce dragon named Despair. The dragon was notorious for sowing seeds of doubt and negativity, feeding off the fears of the people. Whispers of hopelessness spread like wildfire, leaving the citizens anxious and disheartened. King Alaric knew that he had to act quickly to protect his beloved kingdom.
Gathering his bravest and most creative subjects, he called for a grand assembly at the castle. There, citizens of all ages, from the wise elders to the curious children, came together. They filled the hall, their hearts pounding with both fear and determination. Among them was a shy young artist named Lyra, known for her enchanting paintings that captured the beauty of their world. As the crowd murmured, Lyra finally spoke up, her voice trembling yet resolute.
“What if we use our talents to create a tapestry of hope?” she suggested. “If we showcase our dreams and victories, we can inspire each other to overcome Despair’s shadows.” Encouraged by her courage, others began to share their own ideas. A group of musicians proposed to compose a powerful anthem of unity, while the bakers spoke of creating a feast to celebrate their resilience.
King Alaric, inspired by the outpouring of creativity, raised his arms high and exclaimed, “Let us weave our strengths together! We shall not allow Despair to steal our joy. Instead, we will celebrate our community, embracing our talents and victories, however small!” The townsfolk rallied behind him, excited to contribute their unique gifts.
As the citizens collaborated, the Festival of Hope took shape. Lyra painted breathtaking murals that told stories of courage while the musicians crafted melodies that spoke of triumph and unity. The bakers filled the town square with the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries, each representing a piece of their shared joy. The preparations grew into a grand spectacle that would light the way against the dragon’s darkness.
On the day of the festival, the sun shone brightly, casting a golden hue over Harmonia. The citizens adorned the town square with vibrant decorations, transforming it into a magical space of celebration. As the festivities began, the people gathered to share their stories, and a sense of community filled the air. They sang their anthem together, the melody resonating with the hearts of everyone present. The echoes of their voices soared, reaching even the distant mountains.
As the music floated on the wind, Despair, hidden in the shadows, felt a tremor of fear. The dragon had fed on loneliness and negativity, but here was a powerful force of unity and love. The louder the citizens sang, the more the dragon shrank back, realising it could not thrive in such a vibrant atmosphere. With each note, the darkness began to dissipate, and the dragon, unable to withstand the light of their joy, let out a final roar before retreating into the shadows.
King Alaric beamed with pride as he watched his people come together, their spirits lifted higher than ever before. They had learned that true leadership lies not in control but in nurturing collaboration and community. The tapestry of hope they had woven was a testament to their resilience, demonstrating that together, they could face any challenge that arose.
From that day forward, Harmonia thrived, with the Festival of Hope becoming an annual celebration of unity and creativity. King Alaric continued to foster an environment where every voice was heard, and each person felt valued. The citizens grew to understand that by lifting each other up and sharing their gifts, they could create a kingdom filled with love and support, always ready to stand against any darkness that dared to approach.
And so, in the kingdom of Harmonia, they lived happily ever after, united in purpose and passion, always shining brightly against the shadows of doubt.
This story is inspired by the story of Garry Ridge, the CEO of WD-40.
The Festival of Hope: A Tale of Unity in Harmonia
(shorter version)
In the kingdom of Harmonia, ruled by the wise King Alaric, a dark cloud loomed as the dragon Despair descended, spreading fear and negativity among the people. Recognising the threat to their vibrant realm, Alaric summoned his citizens to a grand assembly, where they shared their ideas and talents. Among them was a shy artist named Lyra, who proposed creating a tapestry of hope to inspire their community.
Inspired by Lyra’s courage, the townsfolk banded together to organise the Festival of Hope. They crafted an anthem celebrating unity and resilience, adorned the town square with beautiful decorations, and prepared a feast to share their joy. On the day of the festival, the citizens sang their powerful anthem, their voices resonating with hope and camaraderie.
As the music filled the air, the dragon Despair, lurking in the shadows, began to shrink in fear. The collective light of the community’s spirit proved too strong for Despair to endure, and with a final roar, the dragon retreated, unable to thrive in the vibrant atmosphere of love and support.
King Alaric and his people celebrated their victory, learning that true leadership lies in nurturing collaboration and creativity. The Festival of Hope became an annual tradition, uniting the kingdom and reinforcing the power of community. From that day forward, Harmonia thrived, always shining brightly against darkness, as its citizens embraced their strengths and stood together against any challenge.
Sermon Topics and Ideas
The following sermon topics and ideas are for Proper 24/Ordinary 29 in Year B.
- “When God Answers, but Not How We Expect”
(Job 38:1-7 )
– God shifts Job’s focus from personal suffering to the wonder of creation. Faith invites us to expand our understanding, not just demand answers. - “God Doesn’t Owe Us Answers”
(Job 38:1-7 )
– God offers awe instead of solutions. What if faith is not about solving problems but seeing life from a larger perspective? - “Finding Our Place in Creation”
(Psalm 104:1-9, 24 )
– This psalm shifts focus from ourselves to our role within God’s creation, inviting reverence and humility. - “Are Humans the Problem with Creation?”
(Psalm 104:1-9, 24 )
– Humanity often harms the earth instead of caring for it. What does faith require of us regarding ecological justice? - “Servant Leadership: Strength in Weakness”
(Hebrews 5:1-10 )
– Jesus’ suffering reveals that leadership is about service. Faith shifts us from self-centred ambition to serving others. - “Does Suffering Make a Good Leader?”
(Hebrews 5:1-10 )
– Does suffering truly make someone a better leader, or does this theology risk glorifying suffering? Is service the real goal? - “Who is the Greatest?”
(Mark 10:35-45 )
– Jesus teaches that true greatness is found in humble service. This reorients faith from status-seeking to meaning-making. - “The Church and the Abuse of Power”
(Mark 10:35-45 )
– James and John’s request reveals the lure of power. Has the church pursued influence over humility? How can it change course? - “Power and Privilege”
(Common Thread – Across Readings)
– These readings challenge us to consider when we should surrender privilege for the sake of others and how to serve faithfully. - “The Problem with the Prosperity Gospel”
(Common Thread – Across Readings)
– Job’s suffering challenges the prosperity gospel’s promise of blessings for faithfulness. Does this theology offer false hope?
† 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.