The Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost - Matthew 22:1-14 - The Rev. Colette Hammesfahr
October 11, Matthew 22:1-14 Once upon a time, in a faraway land, a prince lived in a beautiful castle. The prince had everything he could ever imagine. He was rich. He had power. He had servants. But he was also selfish, spoiled, and unkind. One cold evening, an old woman came to his castle door. She was dressed in rags and was looking for shelter from the cold. The only thing she could offer as payment was one single rose. The prince took one look at her and turned her away. The old woman warned him not to be deceived by appearances, because true beauty is found within. The prince still didn't listen. Suddenly, the old woman revealed her true identity—a beautiful woman with magical powers. As punishment for his cruelty, she turned the prince into a hideous beast. Does anyone recognize this story? It's the beginning of Beauty and the Beast . The prince looked like royalty. He lived in a castle. He had everything that went along with being a prince. The problem was t...