Daily Office Readings for Saturday of the 6th Week of Epiphany: Year 1
Morning, Psalm 107:33-43, 108:1-6(7-13); Evening, Psalm 33;
Isaiah 66:1-6; 1st Tim. 6:6-21; Mark 12:35-44:
“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.” (Mark 12:43)
Many of us are very familiar with the story of the poor widow who put in the two coins. This is regularly a good stewardship lesson about giving to the church no matter how little you think you have. But there is a much more important message taught here.
Jesus called his disciples to him in the first place to see, to behold this neglected woman. She is living in a time when women were even less cared for in the so called men’s world than they are today. We still have much work to do to bring about total equality for women. But this woman, of a deceased husband, refuses to just shrink into obscurity. By her presence she declares to the town “I AM HERE, I AM A MEMBER OF YOU!”
We must recognize her. We must take care of her. We must include her in work, in play and in worship. Jesus calls our attention to look past the amount she puts in. Jesus makes us look at her hand as she releases the coins and then let our eyes follow up her sleeve to see her face. We must claim her face, love her, and include her. She demands it and so does Jesus. This woman is in our midst today still writing small checks insisting that she is a member of us. And she is. Thank You Lord Jesus.
Today we remember Margaret of Cortona, Monastic (February 22, 1297); And Eric Liddell, Missionary to China (February 21, 1945) and their information may be found at: Margaret of Cortona; and Eric Liddell, respectively.
Let us again keep the people of Ukraine in our daily prayers. And, as we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Let us pray: (The Collect for Saturdays BCP p. 99)
Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
onewhoponders 