Our Sabbath Scripture Stories – 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle C

Read or listen to this Sunday’s Mass readings here.

  • Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29
  • Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a
  • Luke 14:1, 7-14

What a glorious early fall morning!  The sunshine came dancing through the kitchen window as the Pauline family got ready for Mass.  Everyone was in a bright mood—chipper and alert.

Dad gathered the family as he had done every Sunday morning for the Gospel reading before Mass.  This special time always helped the children understand the richness of each Gospel, and would help answer any questions they might have on how to apply the Gospel to their lives. 

Dad handed the Bible over to his oldest son, Peter, who would be leaving for college soon.  “Here, Peter, you do the honors,” Dad said.  And with a twinkle in his eye, he added, “and you help answer any questions that might come up.  We’ll see how our tuition costs are paying off!”  Peter laughed, knowing his dad was referring to his college schedule weighted with theology courses.

Peter opened the family Bible and read from Luke, chapter 14.  When he was finished, he asked everyone, “Any questions, you guys?”

“Tell me that one word again, Peter,” said 4-year-old Hillary, “the one that means two of something … “

“Two of something?” Peter wondered, as he scanned the reading.  “Hillary, where does it talk about two of something?” 

“At the beginning,” she said.  “When it says that Jesus went on to address it to the guests!”

Peter read down to the verse quickly and burst out laughing.  “Hillary!” he mused, “the word you’re talking about is parable, not two of something, as a pair of cows!”  He was still chuckling, “Jesus often spoke in parables which means telling a story to get across an important lesson.”

“Well, what’s the lesson in today’s reading, Peter?” asked 8-year-old Lucy.  “Wasn’t Jesus talking about how to behave at weddings?”

“Actually, Lucy, Jesus is teaching us about humility in this reading,” Peter stated.  “The wedding Jesus is referring to is the heavenly banquet.  God invites everyone to the heavenly banquet, and our seats will be determined by how we live our lives.  If we are humble and follow the teachings of Jesus, we will be escorted up to the front of the table.  But the proud and the boastful, or those who expect repayment, won’t fare so well.”

“So they’ll get leftovers?” Vincent laughed.

“That’s one way of putting it, Vincent,” Peter answered with a smile. 

“I like par-a-bles!” Hillary shouted.  “They’re fun!”

Then Dad turned to Peter.  “Thank you, Peter, for helping us understand parables.  And now I know a parable about eight diamonds who were late for a grand gem showing … “

“Dad!” Mary Clare reasoned.  “You’re talking about us being late for Mass if we don’t get going soon!”  

And with that, the family scurried for the van.

Look up the words “parable” and “humility” in the dictionary. 

Try to explain them in your own words.

Would you prefer a print a copy of this story?

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – CDownload

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