Part 1 of 2
Daily Office Readings for Sunday of Proper 27: Year 1
Morning, Psalms 93 and 96; Evening, Psalm 34;
Ezra 10:1 to 17; Acts 24:10 to 21; Luke 14:12 to 24:
“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14: 13 and 14)
It seems that both of today’s Gospel messages have to do with what it means to have little money or the ability to earn money. From Luke we learn of how important it is to regard people based on their being sibling children of God without concern about their material worth. We should equally care for the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. But here is where I draw the line. I don’t believe we should do it in order to receive a later reward even though I believe that will come. Can’t we just be good for goodness sake?
Part 2 of 2
New Testament Eucharistic Readings for Sunday of Proper 27: Year B
Hebrews 9:24 to 28 and Mark 12:38 to 44:
“Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” (Mark 12: 43 and 44)
I think the phrase “put in more,” has to do with ratio, or what part of what one has, that was given. Those who contributed out of their abundance surely put in more than a penny.
Giving to our house of worship is a matter of concern for our continued fellowship together. The widow, being a widow, has lost her husband. She really needs to stay connected, if just for the sake of her children. You and I need to stay connected to one another in Christ Jesus for the sake of our fellowship. And that can’t be replicated anywhere else except in our own weekly meeting place.
So, like the poor widow, we give a part, or all, of what we have in the hope of maintaining a continued connection with one another in our unique Christian faith where indeed, all are loved and all are welcomed. We want our family to be a part of Christ’s family in the loving care of God Almighty. Sometimes, what we should give, is all that we can give.
As we listen to what the Spirit is saying to us, let us live to love, to serve, and to teach, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
onewhoponders 