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!
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