The Ransom
of Red Chief--an O. Henry story about a ransom gone wrong. I told the Middlers this hilarious tale about 2 schemers, who planned a fast
buck with a quick turn-around for the kidnap and ransom of the bank president’s 9 year old. Only one problem—the kid was a terror! A demand for a $1500 ransom got this
response: “[I]n regard to the ransom you
ask for the return of my son. I think you are a little high in your demands,
and I hereby make you a counter-proposition, which I am inclined to believe you
will accept. You bring Johnny home and pay me two hundred and fifty dollars in
cash, and I agree to take him off your hands.”
It was an offer they couldn’t resist!
Johnny was delivered home along with $250, and the two skipped town
after happily paying their own ransom.
For the Elementaries, it was Charlotte’s
Web—the story of a spider, who ransomed her life for a pig named
Wilbur. Why? Because “[y]ou have been my
friend,” said Charlotte, and “[b]y helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up
my life a trifle.”
And
today’s gospel tells us that the Son of Man came to give his life as a ransom for many. It’s not just living good lives; that makes
us good. It’s giving good lives; that
makes others good. Living good lives
costs us nothing: giving good lives
costs us everything. A ransom for
others!
A New
Typical Day at KidsRelig
Our new, typical day with
the gospel reflection at the end seems to be working. Elementaries arrive for class while Middlers
are still in church. The transition
seems smooth.
For the Elementaries, I
noticed this week that parents huddled by the doors of the church to listen in on
us. Please, feel free to come in and sit
in the back pews. I really think the
kids would be happy to see you there. I
know I would.
Good News about the Bus—So Far!
We are so grateful to our
Bus Volunteer Committee: Keira Treanor, Clare Salamida and Chris Madden, with
special help from veteran Meg Wickizer.
The first weeks have been incredibly successful. On time and all accounted for! And all the reports are that bus behavior has
seen a real improvement. (This has been
tremendously helped by Keira and Chris riding the buses from Roaring Brook and
Grafflin—a sacrifice much appreciated.) Please encourage all the kids to keep up
the good work.
Third & Fourth Grade Mass
On Sunday, November 4th,
Third and Fourth Grades will celebrate Sunday Mass together at 10am. A reception will follow. The Third and Fourth Grade teachers will be
in touch with parents about bringing sweets to share at the reception.
Love,
Deacon Charlie
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