November. Thanksgiving. For U.S. citizens, the word association is almost universal. Unfortunately, the attitude of thankful sharing itself is nowhere near as reflexive. November’s lectionary texts provide an opening to explore themes of blessing, poverty, and wealth in the light of the coming reign of Christ. They provide a helpful perspective for the season. At Bread for the World, we are particularly thankful for pastors and congregations who willingly struggle with difficult issues of justice and seek to discern God’s leading. We pray that you will find some enlightenment in these lectionary commentaries. And we hope that you will continue to consider us as a partner in your ministry. Grace and peace, Rev. Gary R. Cook Director of Church Relations

Lectionary Reflections

This month, Herman Diers, Marguerite Shuster, and Noelle Damico explore themes of poverty, privilege, and coming judgment. They remind us that the Reign of God stands in stark contrast to any human government or ruling authority. Because we are called to live our lives as citizens of that reign, we must constantly work for justice for poor and hungry people in our world.

From Hunger for the Word, Year B

November 1, 2009 Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

God came to us in person and gave himself in person because all the long centuries of action at a distance, of sending others to tell of his purposes and to implore justice and righteousness, were not enough. They still aren’t. Read more »

November 1, 2009 All Saints’ Day

We are invited to join Mother Teresa and St. Francis and the saints of all the ages, past, present, and future, in bringing food and justice to the hungry. Death will not have the last word! Read more »

November 8, 2009 Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

It has never been the case that we have an absolute right to all we produce; we always have a deep responsibility to see to the welfare of others. Now, we have opportunity to do so in part through the workings of government, but with the sharp caveat that we must insist that government protect not just our profits but most especially those who cannot protect themselves. Read more »

November 15, 2009 Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Most of today’s readings deal explicitly or implicitly with the certainty of judgment to come…those who are hungry, barren, and feeble will at last have their needs supplied, while the seemingly secure and all those whom the Lord counts his enemies will be brought low. Read more »

November 22, 2009 Christ the King Sunday

Christ the King—a Sunday when we affirm that even now, in however hidden ways, our Lord rules all the kings of the earth and that one day his rule will be hidden no longer, but every eye will see him. Read more »

November 26, 2009 Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is the opposite of arrogance and self-centeredness. It is the recognition that life is a gift. Thanksgiving Day is grounded in this perspective. Read more »

November 29, 2009 First Sunday in Advent

Our Advent texts remind us that individuals, nations, and international institutions are to deal justly with those who are poor and hungry. Read more »

Praying Together

Father, Mother, God,
Thank you for your presence
during the hard and mean days.
For then we have you to lean upon.
Thank you for your presence
during the bright and sunny days,
for then we can share that which we have
with those who have less.
And thank you for your presence
during the Holy Days, for then we are able
to celebrate you and our families
and our friends.
For those who have no voice,
we ask you to speak.
For those who feel unworthy,
we ask you to pour your love out
in waterfalls of tenderness.
For those who live in pain,
we ask you to bathe them
in the river of your healing.
For those who are lonely, we ask
you to keep them company.
For those who are depressed,
we ask you to shower upon them
the light of hope.
Dear Creator, You, the borderless
sea of substance, we ask you to give to all the
world that which we need most—Peace.

- Maya Angelou

Bread for the World Sunday Feedback

If your congregation has observed Bread for the World Sunday, please accept our thanks for this expression of our partnership. We would love to have your comments on how it went and your evaluation of the materials we provided. You can give us your feedback online at www.bread.org/sunday09.

Resources for Your Ministry

Getting Ready to Come Back

The second edition of Getting Ready to Come Back; an Advocacy Guide for Short-term Mission Teams is now available. If your congregation is planning an overseas mission experience for youth or adults, this guide will help focus attention on planning for long- term impact. The booklet provides guidance for pre-trip research, suggestions for discussions and journaling while overseas and practical suggestions for becoming advocates once the group returns home. Getting Ready to Come Back is available for purchase or as a download at www.bread.org/advocacyguide.

Christmas Cards

Bread for the World Christmas cards combine familiar themes with contemporary realities. Three cards are available. This one pictures women carrying water in Jaiselmer, India. Women and girls in developing countries walk an average of four miles a day to fetch water, significantly reducing the time they have for other work or to attend school. View all three cards.