3 November 2024 – Proper 26/Ordinary 31-Year B
Lectionary Texts: Ruth 1:1-18; Psalm 146; Hebrews 9:11-14; Mark 12:28-34
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.
Love Thy Neighbour… Even the Grumpy Ones!
In a small town bustling with life, two people found themselves at odds—Emily, a dedicated community volunteer, and Mark, a local business owner known for his gruff exterior. The townsfolk often whispered about Mark’s sharp tongue and impatience. He was a man who seemed to thrive on confrontation, and his abrasive manner made him a difficult figure to approach.
Emily, on the other hand, was the heart of the town. She spent her days organising charity events and helping those in need. Yet, her cheerful spirit was often dampened when she crossed paths with Mark. Their conflict had begun over a minor disagreement—a misunderstanding about a shared parking space outside her community centre. Words were exchanged, and the tension between them simmered.
One afternoon, as Emily was preparing for a big charity event, she heard a loud voice outside. It was Mark, berating a group of teenagers who had accidentally spilled drinks near his shop. His anger was palpable, and Emily felt her heart race with frustration. “Why does he always have to act like this?” she thought. “Can’t he show a little understanding?”
That evening, as she lay in bed, Emily couldn’t shake off the day’s events. She tossed and turned, replaying the encounter in her mind. “He’s so unlovable,” she whispered to herself. Yet, the more she thought about it, the more she realised that perhaps there was more to Mark than met the eye.
The next day, as Emily was setting up for the charity event, she spotted Mark standing outside his shop, watching the preparations with a scowl on his face. Gathering her courage, she approached him. “Mark,” she began, her voice steady but soft. “I know we haven’t seen eye to eye lately, but I’d like to invite you to the event tonight. It might be a good chance to connect.”
Mark crossed his arms and huffed. “What’s the point? I don’t have time for your charity nonsense.”
Emily took a deep breath, reminding herself that the love she sought to share required patience. “I understand you might feel that way, but I think it’s important to bridge this gap between us. We both care about this community in our own ways.”
He paused, caught off guard by her straightforwardness. “Why do you even care about me? I’m just a grumpy shop owner.”
“Because I believe that everyone has something to offer, even when it’s hard to see,” Emily replied. “And maybe, just maybe, you’ll find something worthwhile in the event.”
Mark studied her for a moment, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. “Fine,” he said at last. “I’ll come, but don’t expect me to smile about it.”
As the evening approached, Emily worked diligently, pouring her heart into the preparations. When the event began, she glanced around for Mark, hoping he would show. Just as she was starting to doubt, she spotted him at the edge of the gathering, arms still crossed, looking as though he had stepped into a world he didn’t belong in.
She walked over to him, a warm smile on her face. “Thanks for coming, Mark. It means a lot.”
“Don’t make a big deal out of it,” he grumbled, but there was a hint of softness in his tone.
Throughout the evening, Emily engaged with guests, occasionally glancing at Mark to gauge his reaction. To her surprise, she saw him begin to relax, his guarded demeanour slowly melting away. He even joined a group of children playing games, albeit reluctantly.
As the night wore on, Mark found himself in conversation with some of the guests, sharing stories of his childhood and what had brought him to the town. Emily watched as he laughed, the warmth in his eyes contrasting with the gruffness he usually wore like a shield.
At the end of the evening, Mark approached Emily, a genuine smile breaking through. “I never thought I’d say this, but that was… not terrible.”
Emily laughed, her heart lightening. “I’m glad you came. We need people like you involved in the community.”
He looked down for a moment as if contemplating something deeper. “I guess I’ve been a bit hard to love lately. I’m not the easiest person to get along with.”
“Maybe,” she replied, “but we all have our struggles. It’s easier to love when we understand one another.”
Emily had stepped outside her comfort zone, while Mark had opened his heart just a crack. They still had a long way to go, but love—complicated and messy as it was—had found its way into their lives, proving that sometimes, all it took was a willingness to try.
Love Thy Neighbour… Even the Grumpy Ones!
(shorter version)
In a small town, Emily, a compassionate community volunteer, and Mark, a gruff local business owner, find themselves in conflict after a misunderstanding over a shared parking space. Mark’s abrasive demeanour makes him difficult to approach, while Emily is known for her kindness. Their interactions are strained, and Emily feels frustrated by Mark’s harshness.
One day, while preparing for a charity event, Emily witnesses Mark berating teenagers for accidentally spilling drinks near his shop. This encounter deepens her resentment towards him, prompting her to question why he is so unkind. However, that night, she begins to wonder if there might be more to Mark than his gruff exterior.
Determined to bridge the gap, Emily invites Mark to the charity event, hoping to foster connection. Despite his initial reluctance and dismissal of her invitation as “charity nonsense,” Emily expresses her belief that everyone has something valuable to contribute. Mark reluctantly agrees to attend but remains defensive.
As the event unfolds, Emily puts her heart into the preparations, and when Mark arrives, he appears uncomfortable but willing to engage. Throughout the evening, she observes him gradually relax and even join in activities with the children, revealing a more human side that contrasts with his usual grumpiness.
By the end of the event, Mark admits that the night was surprisingly not so terrible, likely because he didn’t trip and fall on his face—this time. Meanwhile, Emily discovers that even those who seem unlovable can surprise you, much like finding out that the fruitcake might actually be edible if you squint hard enough.
Sermon Topics and Ideas
In the story of Ruth, the significance of names illustrates the evolution of each character’s journey. See the meanings below.*
- Ruth 1:1-18: “Choosing to Stay: A Story of Companionship”
- Focus: Ruth (“Companion”) commits to Naomi, demonstrating steadfast love.
- Point: What does it mean to show loyalty even when it’s inconvenient?
- Ideas:
- Explore the emotional cost of commitment—Ruth leaves behind everything familiar.
- Reflect on how loyalty shapes long-term relationships (in families, friendships, and church communities).
- Consider how companionship reflects the character of God, who never abandons us.
- Ruth 1:1-18: “The God Who Journeys with Us”
- Focus: In the midst of loss, Naomi and Ruth embark on a new journey together.
- Point: How do we discern God’s presence in transitions?
- Ideas:
- Highlight God’s presence in liminal spaces—times of change and uncertainty.
- Discuss how faith communities can support people during major life transitions.
- Use imagery of roads or paths to illustrate both literal and spiritual journeys.
- Ruth 1:1-18: “Companionship in Grief”
- Focus: Ruth accompanies Naomi, embodying the meaning of her name (“Companion”).
- Point: How can we be companions to others in their sorrow?
- Ideas:
- Offer practical ways to accompany people through grief (listening, presence, silence).
- Draw parallels to Jesus’ command to love neighbours, especially in their most vulnerable times.
- Reflect on how companionship transforms both those giving and receiving care.
- Ruth 1:1-18: “When Loyalty Challenges Tradition”
- Focus: Ruth, a foreigner, commits herself to Naomi, breaking traditional boundaries.
- Point: How do we welcome people who challenge the norms of belonging in our communities?
- Ideas:
- Compare Ruth’s actions with examples of radical hospitality today.
- Explore the tension between loyalty to tradition and openness to new expressions of faith.
- Ask how our communities can better reflect God’s inclusive love.
- Psalm 146: “Singing the Hallelujah of Justice”
- Focus: God cares for the oppressed, hungry, and prisoners.
- Point: How do we align our lives with God’s justice?
- Ideas:
- Encourage the congregation to reflect on areas where they can advocate for justice.
- Explore what “justice” looks like in personal, community, and global contexts.
- Share stories of how acts of justice bring hope to the oppressed.
- Psalm 146: “God, the Everlasting Helper”
- Focus: The psalm proclaims that God reigns forever and helps the vulnerable.
- Point: How do we reflect God’s care in our daily lives?
- Ideas:
- Offer practical examples of caring for the vulnerable in today’s society.
- Explore the difference between occasional charity and sustained care.
- Reflect on how God’s eternal faithfulness inspires our consistent actions.
- Psalm 146: “Trusting God Instead of Government: Too Much or Not Enough?”
- Focus: The psalm warns against placing trust in rulers.
- Point: How do we engage politically without losing spiritual focus?
- Ideas:
- Explore the tension between faith and political activism.
- Ask how believers can participate in politics without idolising power.
- Reflect on how God’s reign transcends earthly governments.
- Psalm 146: “Justice for All: Are We Really Ready?”
- Focus: God lifts the lowly and defends the oppressed.
- Point: Are we prepared to accept the cost of true justice?
- Ideas:
- Explore the personal sacrifices involved in working for justice.
- Discuss how the call for justice can disrupt comfort and privilege.
- Challenge the congregation to reflect on their readiness to act for justice.
- Hebrews 9:11-14: “The Perfect Mediator”
- Focus: Jesus offers a perfect sacrifice to cleanse us.
- Point: How do we live as people forgiven through Christ’s work?
- Ideas:
- Explore the concept of Jesus as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity.
- Reflect on how forgiveness shapes our identity and purpose.
- Ask how forgiveness invites us into deeper relationships with God and others.
- Hebrews 9:11-14: “Living as People Made New”
- Focus: Christ’s blood purifies us so we may serve God fully.
- Point: What does it mean to serve God with a clear conscience?
- Ideas:
- Invite reflection on the meaning of service in everyday life.
- Explore what it looks like to live as a “new creation” in Christ.
- Offer practical ways to live with integrity and purpose.
- Hebrews 9:11-14: “Sacrifice, Forgiveness, and Accountability”
- Focus: Christ’s sacrifice offers forgiveness.
- Point: Does focusing on forgiveness weaken accountability?
- Ideas:
- Explore the balance between grace and accountability in Christian life.
- Ask how communities can practise forgiveness without ignoring justice.
- Reflect on examples where accountability and forgiveness coexist.
- Hebrews 9:11-14: “Rituals or Real Transformation?”
- Focus: Old rituals are insufficient; true cleansing comes through Christ.
- Point: Are we too reliant on rituals rather than heart transformation?
- Ideas:
- Encourage reflection on personal faith practices and their effectiveness.
- Challenge the congregation to move beyond mere tradition to genuine transformation.
- Offer examples of how real change happens through a relationship with Christ.
- Mark 12:28-34: “The Heart of the Matter: Loving God and Neighbour”
- Focus: Jesus summarises the law in love for God and neighbour.
- Point: How do we embody this command in our daily lives?
- Ideas:
- Explore what it means to love God with our whole being.
- Reflect on practical ways to love our neighbours, especially those different from us.
- Challenge the congregation to act on love in tangible ways within the community.
- Mark 12:28-34: “The Greatest Commandment: Who Gets to Define Love?”
- Focus: Jesus clarifies the greatest commandment.
- Point: How do differing interpretations of love affect community?
- Ideas:
- Explore varying cultural definitions of love and their implications.
- Discuss how the church can navigate differences while holding onto love as a core value.
- Invite dialogue about challenging aspects of loving others.
- Mark 12:28-34: “Love as a Radical Action”
- Focus: Loving God and neighbour requires more than words.
- Point: How can we live out love as radical action?
- Ideas:
- Explore love as an active response in both personal and community contexts.
- Reflect on historical examples of love as a transformative force.
- Challenge the congregation to identify specific actions of love in the week ahead.
- Mark 12:28-34: “The Law of Love: Reimagining Boundaries”
- Focus: Jesus redefines the law through love.
- Point: How do we manage boundaries in loving others?
- Ideas:
- Discuss the balance between self-care and loving others.
- Explore how love can break down unhealthy barriers.
- Reflect on the implications of love for community-building.
† The story above is based on this Topic
‡ My sermon will be based on these Topics/ideas
* The names and their meaning in the Old Testament reading:
Elimelech = God is King
Orpah = to drip, drip away
Chilion = Wasting Away
Mahlon = Sickly
Naomi = My Delight
Ruth = Companion
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.