Here’s
a readers’ theatre setting on the topic of wealth and generosity. It combines
verses from Mark 10:17-22, 12:38-44 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.
Readers’ Theatre
(Mark 10:17-22,
12:38-44, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15)
One: As Jesus started on his way,
a man ran up to him
and fell on his knees before him.
Two: Good teacher,
what must I do to inherit eternal
life?
Three: Why do you call me good?
No one is good—except God alone.
You know the commandments:
‘You shall not murder,
you shall not commit adultery,
you shall not steal,
you shall not give false testimony,
you shall not defraud,
honor your father and mother.’”
Two: Teacher, all these I have kept since I was a
boy.
One: Jesus looked at him and loved him.
Three: One thing you lack.
Go, sell everything you have
and give to the poor,
and you will have treasure in
heaven.
Then come, follow me.
One: At this the man’s face fell.
He went away sad,
because he had great wealth.
Jesus sat down near the collection
box in the Temple
and watched as the crowds dropped in
their money.
Many rich people put in large
amounts.
Then a poor widow came
and dropped in two small coins.
Jesus called his disciples to him
and said,
Three: I tell you the truth,
this poor widow has given more
than all the others who are making
contributions.
For they gave a tiny part of their
surplus,
but she, poor as she is,
has given everything she had to live
on.
Two: Remember this:
Whoever sows sparingly
will also reap sparingly,
and whoever sows generously
will also reap generously.
One: Each of you should give
what you have decided in your heart
to give,
not reluctantly or under
compulsion,
for God loves a cheerful
giver.
Three: And God is able to bless you abundantly,
so that in all things at all times,
having all that you need,
you will abound in every good
work.
Two: Now he who supplies seed to the sower
and bread for food
will also supply and increase your
store of seed
and will enlarge the harvest of your
righteousness.
You will be enriched in every
way
so that you can be generous on every
occasion,
and through us your generosity will
result
in thanksgiving to God.
