Generosity

While Jesus was teaching in the temple, he said, ‘How can the scribes say that the Messiah is the son of David? David himself, by the Holy Spirit, declared, “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet.’ ” David himself calls him Lord; so how can he be his son?’ And the large crowd was listening to him with delight. As he taught, he said, ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the market-places, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.’ He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. 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 12:35-44

We live in a time when the selfish and greedy get elected to positions of power. They think the best thing to be is a winner and will do everything in their power to destroy anyone that gets in their way. From the beginning of time, some humans have been like this. Yet we can also clearly see the consequences of this behavior and culture. It destroys communities. Jesus came to invite us all to live so that communities and people thrive. He invites us to live generously, sacrificially.  The happiest people I know live like this. God's love is stimulated, and made visible as we live and care for others.

Abundant Creator, source of all goodness

you formed us out of dust and the stars

placed us in community so we can shine

and gave us hearts for generosity and love.

Often our hearts have been hardened

we think the hurts of the world permit us

to destroy others and walk on them

fending for ourselves and our young.

Yet you call us to a different way

the path of deep love and service

the road that lead to heaven on earth

where your love glimmers in us all. Amen.