“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 12:38-44
I did not expect to be writing this reflection this morning with any sense of what the election results might be. Surprise! I suspect as you open this you might be feeling a wide range of emotions; I will not presume to know what they are, and I invite you to create space in yourself and in others to simply be wherever you find yourself. Do not assume you know your own final feelings and create a space for others who don't presume to know theirs.
Our unity as a community and as people of faith invites us to trust that we do not find our unity through agreement, a common context, common experience, or even understanding. Our unity is through the person of Jesus Christ. This may sound abstract, but if we go deeply into that mystery, it can provide a real sense of comfort. It also provides a real challenge. It asks us to look beyond ourselves and value relationship with one another. It asks us to do the hard work of seeking that which we have in common — being made in the image of God.
The gospel appointed for this Sunday invites us to refocus our gaze. If we are in a place of power, Jesus asks us to use our power to seek and care for others. The widow is investing all she has, and Jesus is calling us to notice that sacrifice. If you are feeling unseen, unsettled, or alone in the crowd—know that Jesus does see you. You are an important and vital part of the Body of Christ. Jesus will always direct us to do the work that seeks to care for those on the margins.
Our baptismal promises remain the same today as they were yesterday. Maybe hold those in prayer today. They focus us outward and remind us that all we do is partly our will, but also deeply embedded in God’s help. They give us a roadmap for how we live those promises out. We continue in teaching and fellowship and worship and prayer with one another. If you’re looking for a simple suggestion, come to evening prayer at 5:30 today and stay for dinner and bible study!
In baptism we promise to persevere in resisting evil, we acknowledge our own need to turn toward God and overcome that which separates us. We are called both through word and example to respond in love to all we meet. We seek and serve Christ in all people. (Yes—all). We love our neighbors as ourselves, which today feels like a call to gentleness of spirit. And we strive for justice and peace, beginning with the dignity of every human being.
These are corporate promises and can only be fulfilled in community. We need one another, and we need God’s grace and care. I pray we all find that peace which passes understanding and are gifted with the gaze of Jesus; the gaze which calls us to seek out those who most need care. Divisions are real, but so is the unity and hope we experience in the Risen One.
Peace, Beth +