Be Watchful!
Be Alert!
by Larry Broding
NOTE: Photos are for illustration only and do not constitute part of the original content.
SUMMARY: Robert misbehaves in class, trying to provoke his teacher Mr. Hall. However, Mr. Hall remains calm and patient, refusing to get angry. Eventually, Robert realizes the value of working with the class and receives praise from Mr. Hall for his efforts.
SUMMARY: Jill and her friends have a sleepover at Laura’s house. They enjoy videos, snacks, and games, anticipating a surprise. Jill stays awake and is rewarded with a dollhouse from her parents, reminding us to be prepared for surprises in life.
Closing Question: If Jesus showed up today, what would you say to him? What could you do for him?
SOURCE: Word-Sunday.com – All materials found in word-sunday.com are the property of Larry Broding (Copyright 1999-2022). Viewers may copy any material found in these pages for their personal use or for use in any non-profit ministry. Materials may not be sold or used for personal financial gain.
Each time we are told to “wait for later” we have a choice.
Later never seems to come soon enough for any of us as we wait. Waiting can be full of surprises. This is a story of a little girl who wishes to play with members of her family and is told “later.” With that, she climbs a tree in the backyard to wait for “later.” In that tree she enters into the activity of imagining and some wonderful things happen.
Each time we are told to “wait for later” we have a choice. We can concentrate on the disappointment of something not happening right now or we can enter into our imagination and dream about or envision things that could be. In dreaming of beautiful and wonderful things and being dedicated and vigilant to such an approach, something wonderful indeed may happen.
The prophet Isaiah is dreaming the dream of God for the people of Israel, when he speaks of the weapons of war becoming instruments of peaceful existence that provide for life and not death. Isaiah and the other prophets remain vigilant in proclaiming this dream that God has for humanity. Saint Paul and Jesus both evoke our imaginations by calling us to be vigilant about our waiting and making sure that our waiting is not an idleness that allows time to pass. Our waiting is a preparation period for the greatest gift God will give us, Emmanuel, God in the midst of us, God becoming one of us in Jesus Christ.
How does fry bread continue to bring people together? What do the baskets holding the fry bread and the ceramic mixing bowls tell us about the traditions of various Native tribes. Have you ever eaten fry bread? If not, this book may tell you how. To find out more about the history of fry bread and its continuing use in Native culture, go to the library and check out “Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story” by Kevin Maillard.
“Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story” won the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal for 2020. While Maillard does not shy away from addressing the painful parts of history related to Native Americans, this book is anything but a downer. The pictures are joyful and you will want to join in the fun of making the fry bread. The children have a great time making the fry bread and all the adults act with responsibility and care. The mixing, kneading and frying of the bread is a happy family moment. The pictures are absolutely endearing. I hope you get a chance to read this award winning book. It is an uplifting story. Enjoy!
SOURCE: Southern Nebraska Register, Catholic Diocese of Lincoln (The image and link to the video embedded above are not part of Terrence Nollen’s review.)
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