Giving All

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 marketplaces, 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

In our gospel lesson today the rich people giving their alms only notice themselves and their friends. Jesus notices the poor widow who gives her all. The pompous displays of wealth and success might be impressive to others, but Jesus see real generosity. In our world today the wealthy and powerful get all the attention. Jesus sees the work of the poor and humble and honors it while condemning the false narrative of wealthy and powerful. They think they are blessed by God, but they are not. Those of us willing to be humble and honestly give of ourselves with no expectation of gain are and will be blessed.

Loving Creator, you lavish us with abundance

the green and leafy trees give us shade in summer

the warmth of home and fires give us warmth

and the earth yields fruit and food in season.

We admire those who are wealthy and powerful

believing they are blessed and loved by you

while you are looking at the deep margins

and loving the lonely ones who are generous.

Help us to be truly generous and humble today

this world needs signs of your loving presence

may we be the ones who give our all for you

so the world might know your true blessings. Amen.