The story of the widows mite. You know it. A woman gives her last two coins to the treasury of the synagogue. She is faithful and obedient and believes what she is doing is in earnest. The leaders of the church, dressed in fine clothing and living well, watch as this poor woman gives every last cent she has. They will eat well tonight. We don't know that she has a crumb left in her home...if indeed she has a home.
Christ watches this dramatic scene unfold - I imagine with tears welling and an undeniable sadness at what he sees. How can it be? The temple should be giving to her; not her to the temple! They have already taken her house, and now they take her last two coins as well!
While we’re never led by Christ to be self sabotaging or self-destructive, we are called to live in a selfless way…living for Christ and showing that by living to give…living to serve…living to bend our preferences for the sake of others. And in doing this, we discover fullness in our own lives taking shape. The story of the widow’s mite is not simply a story of self sacrifice….it is a story of self indulgence at the expense of another’s sacrifice.
Pastor Michael
Sunday Scripture
Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17
Psalm 127
Hebrews 9:24-28
Mark 12:38-44