Sunday, November 11th - Proper 27, Year B
As Jesus 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 12:38-44
Today is the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day - the end of the war to end all wars. one hundred
later, we know many more wars have been fought and many families have been left without fathers,
sons, and husbands. Many mothers, daughters, and sisters were also lost. War always impoverishes
us all, and recovery may never happen. We also know that some of the people who have lost the most,
who have very little to share, who have suffered greatly, are also some of the most generous people.
Love can either move us to gratitude or can shrivel when we hoard the little we have left.
Jesus is observing the generosity and lack thereof among the faithful in his generation. He also
made observations about the false generosity of the wealthy and how they truly lacked compassion,
and care for their neighbors. One was giving out of her heart, the others were giving to be seen. We
live in a world where the "look" of things is more important that the truth, and soundbites more
important than feeding the poor. We are invited by God to live with generosity, thankful for those
who have given their lives and resources so that we can fully live.
Today, I ask God to help me be generous in all things, no matter the challenges or the losses faced.
May we all live with generosity to God and to our neighbors. May we honor those who have sacrificed
for us by giving and living generously
Collect
O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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