THEME: The importance of seeing and valuing individuals, especially those who might be easily overlooked, and recognising the profound impact of their faith and actions:
What does faith look like? How does faith connect to power and wealth? What part do we play as we seek to trust in God? These are some of the questions that are evoked by the Lectionary readings for this week. They challenge our alliances, our use of our resources, our care for the most vulnerable in our world, and the extent to which we are willing to “gamble” all on God’s Reign.
Jesus watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. A poor Widow came and put in two small copper coins.
The fascinating thing about this little story is perhaps not the actions of the scribes or the rich or even the poor Widow, but what Jesus Does.
What Jesus sees is the Widow among all the people putting money into the temple treasury. Jesus notices her and perhaps what Jesus wants his disciples to learn in that moment is not about how much she gives but simply the importance of noticing her.
To really see her and to acknowledge her as a person because she’s not in the end an object lesson but a person easily unseen even invisible, yet worthy of Jesus attention and ours.
It’s easy to put a label on her so we don’t have to think about her very much just as we do so often with people in our own time. Perhaps in this brief moment Jesus challenges us to notice those we would normally miss among the crowds and to rethink how we might respond.
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:3-17
In these passages, Naomi, who is Ruth’s mother-in-law, devises a plan to secure their future. She instructs Ruth to go to the threshing floor where Boaz, a relative who can act as a kinsman-redeemer, is working. Ruth follows Naomi’s instructions, showing her loyalty and trust. She approaches Boaz at night, uncovering his feet and lying down, a gesture of seeking protection and proposing marriage.
Boaz is moved by Ruth’s loyalty and kindness. He agrees to take on the role of kinsman-redeemer but first ensures that a closer relative relinquishes his right. Boaz marries Ruth, and they have a son named Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David. This story highlights the themes of loyalty, kindness, and God’s providence. It shows how important it is to see and support those in need, recognizing their worth and the impact of their faith and actions.
Hebrews 9:23-28
This passage discusses the necessity and significance of Jesus’ sacrifice. It explains that the old covenant required repeated sacrifices to atone for sins, but these were only temporary solutions. In contrast, Jesus’ sacrifice was a one-time event that provided a permanent solution. He entered heaven itself to appear before God on our behalf, offering His own blood as the ultimate sacrifice.
Jesus’ sacrifice cleanses us from sin once and for all, and He will return to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him. This passage emphasizes the completeness and sufficiency of Jesus’ actions, highlighting the profound impact of His sacrifice. It reminds us to value the depth of His love and the significance of His actions in our lives.
Mark 12:38-44
In this passage, Jesus warns His disciples about the scribes who seek attention and honour but exploit the vulnerable. He then sits opposite the temple treasury and observes people putting money into it. Many rich people give large sums, but a poor widow comes and puts in two small copper coins, worth only a few cents.
Jesus calls His disciples and points out that the widow has given more than all the others because she gave out of her poverty, all she had to live on. This story highlights the importance of seeing and valuing individuals, especially those who might be easily overlooked. Jesus notices the widow’s sacrifice and commends her faith and devotion, teaching us to appreciate the sincerity and depth of people’s actions, not just their outward appearance.
Applying the Theme Today
These readings collectively remind us to notice and value everyone, especially those who might be overlooked. Just as Jesus noticed the poor widow, we should pay attention to people who might be invisible in our busy lives. Their faith and actions can have a profound impact, even if they seem small.
In our daily lives, we can apply this by:
Being attentive: Look for those who might need help or support, and acknowledge their presence. This could be as simple as noticing a colleague who seems down or a neighbor who might need assistance.
Valuing sincerity: Appreciate the genuine efforts and sacrifices people make, regardless of their size. Recognize and commend the small acts of kindness and generosity that often go unnoticed.
Offering support: Like Boaz, be willing to step in and help those in need, ensuring they feel seen and valued. This could involve volunteering, offering a listening ear, or providing practical assistance.
By doing these things, we follow Jesus’ example of truly seeing and valuing every individual, recognizing their worth and the impact of their faith and actions.
Human power is limited, often corrupt and ultimately fails those who trust in it. God’s care, protection and justice is sure and eternal, and through the self-offering of Christ, all people can find security within the grace of God. The challenge is to ensure we place our trust in the right place, while also endeavouring to be faithful and righteous in whatever power or leadership we may exercise.