Homily for Nov. 8, 2009, Proper 27 B

Homily for Proper 27 B
November 8, 2009

My sisters and brothers, Christian generosity is not just about monies, foodstuffs and household necessities. We are also called to give of our time and talent.

In our first reading we heard the famous story of the Elijah and the widow’s bottomless jar. It is one of many miraculous things God does through Elijah. Most importantly, it is an example of extreme generosity and sharing in the midst of calamity. A little background makes the story even more powerful. This story takes place in a region acknowledged as belonging to the pagan god Baal not Yahweh! Yet the power of Yahweh causes drought to descend there and protects those He favors with miraculous food. This is also a story of my God (Yahweh) is stronger than your god (Baal). At this point in their history, the Israelite people did not see other gods as false; only as alien and inferior to Yahweh!

In our Hebrews reading, Christ is described as removing sin by the sacrifice of himself.
The author sees Christ as coming “at the end of the age” of the first covenant. God has appointed that humans “die once” and later be judged (at the end of the current era); likewise Christ sacrificed himself once and will later return. But his second coming will be to complete and finalize the salvation of his followers.

For our gospel story today we heard the widow’s might. She contributes out of her “poverty” while others contribute out of their abundance. She clearly makes the greater sacrifice!

Prior to this, scribe has asked Jesus: which is the greatest precept in the law? His agreement that to love God and to love one’s neighbors are the most important has led Jesus to tell him that he is almost ready for the kingdom of God.

Now, as Jesus teaches in the synagogue, he warns of certain scribes (professional interpreters of the Law) who walk around ostentatiously, seek honor in public places and seek prestige. They where showy cloths and expect the best seats in the synagogue (near the Ark where the scrolls were kept).

Certain scribes, as legal trustees of a widow’s estate, charged exorbitantly for their services. Jesus proclaims that they will be judged harshly in the greatest court of all on Judgment Day. Jesus’ disciples are not to be like them. On the other hand, the poor widow is an example of good discipleship because she made a far greater personal sacrifice than the rich people who only give what they do not need.

In our modern world, many have wondered (and I am one of them) if our time is even more precious to us than any other possession. The widows’ gift to Elijah was not just her bread but her labor as well.

How do we contribute from our time, abilities? Are we truly looking for honor and status or are we truly doing acts of charity? Our parish stewardship committee has envisioned some opportunities for us to help clarify the gifts that God is calling us to share. Each of us is blessed with talents, aptitudes, education and experience. We simply need to grow in the awareness that God has not only blessed us with them but calls us to use them for the growth of the Divine Kingdom.

Doing the work of the Kingdom is demanding. It takes time, energy and heart. For us it manifests in many volunteer activities: baking cookies and making crafts, singing, teaching children and youth, fixing this and that, and the dreaded: “committee meetings.”

Yet, we cannot exist and carry forward our calling as God’s people in Sierra Vista without all of the above. My brothers and sisters let us roll up our sleeves and do our part!