Session 4: Care of Creation During Advent

 

Care of Creation includes the idea of generosity and kindness toward others. Advent, a time of preparing our hearts for the coming of Jesus, is a perfect time to reflect on how we can increase our kindness and generosity.

The Book of Ruth in the Old Testament is a very short book. It tells the story of a widow named Ruth who shows great loyalty and commitment to the Israelite people through a promise she makes to her mother-in-law. Ruth becomes the great-grandmother of King David and, therefore, she is an ancestor in the messianic line that leads to Jesus. Although Ruth faces tragic circumstances, she maintains hope and generosity. She is willing to take risks in order to do the right thing. 

Here is a link to the Book of Ruth in the Bible: Ruth: Chapters 1-4

If you picked up your Catholic Student Bible, go to The Books of the Bible on page i. Look under "Old Testament," "Historical Books." The Book of Ruth is listed third, and is found on page 273 of the Old Testament. Challenge: Read the whole Book of Ruth on your own, or ask a parent to read it with you!

Below is a dramatization of the Bible Story: 

Let's look closely at the kindness of the character Boaz in the story. He allowed people to "glean" his farmland. Gleaning, in this case, means gathering the leftover crops that have been dropped or missed during the regular harvest. Did you know that gleaning still happens today, right here in the United States.? The video below shows kids in Virginia helping to glean corn to donate to those in need.

Assignment: Advent Gleaning at Home Project: What is leftover or discarded in your home, but is still in usable condition? With the permission of your parents, gather a bag worth of something you can donate to others. Some examples of things you can gather to donate are: non-perishable foods, coats, clothing, scarves, hats and gloves, books, extra toiletries like soap, toothpaste and shampoo, gently-used toys and electronics, etc.

There is no exit ticket for this lesson. Instead, take a picture of what you plan to donate and attach it to your Google Classroom with a private comment explaining your project. It is OK to be in the picture holding your bag!