1 Kings 17:10-16; Psalm146; Hebrews 9: 24-28; Mark 12: 38-44
There are two themes today. The most obvious is “widow.” In Hebrew, the word means the voiceless. Ezekiel depends on the kindness of a Gentile widow, whom Jesus praises after his mission statement in Luke 4. In the psalm, we hear God’s mission statement, on which Jesus comes to put flesh; the widow receives God’s care. In the gospel, the “shorter version”, Jesus praises the widow who “put into the treasury all she had to live on.” What trust in God’s care! The second theme is Jesus’ condemnation of those who “devour widows’ houses”. The Word became flesh to “deal with sin”, and because he has, his second coming will be to “save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”
Why might the “shorter version” of the gospel omit Jesus’ condemnation of the pomp, hypocrisy and injustice of religious leaders? The entire selection is only six verses!
Who are the voiceless in today’s society? In today’s church? Pray for them as you name them. There is some hoopla about the year 2012 as the year of Christ’s return. How do you feel about that? Discuss with Jesus.
Thank you, God of Jews, Christians and Muslims, for your steady, faithful care of the voiceless, the widow, orphan, homeless and hungry. Make us your instruments of mercy.