A rich man, a fish, and a quiltmaker.

 

On Sunday our Gospel scripture was the very familiar story from Mark 10: 17-31. 

A rich man comes to Jesus and asks him how to enter heaven. Jesus tells him is that he should sell his things and give to the poor. He tells the rich man to   come and follow him. The man goes away unhappy because he has a lot of special things.  Jesus then explains to the disciples that it would be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.

 Jesus often tells us about how we should treat others, especially others who need our help. This passage is a good reminder for us to teach our children that when we are lucky enough to have nice things and money that we should use it for more than ourselves and helping others is a way to follow Jesus.

 

Here are two great books that we read with the kids that convey this same message. They are available at your local library.

 

 

“Rainbow Fish” is a great story for toddlers, preschoolers and younger children and has wonderful color illustrations in bright colors. It’s the story of how a beautiful glimmering fish finds friendship and happiness when he learns to share.

   “The Quiltmaker’s Gift” is great for older elementary kids and has beautiful detailed illustrations.  The story is about a woman who spends her days making beautiful quilts that she gives only to the poor. She agrees to make a greedy king a quilt but under certain conditions. And those conditions change his heart.