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Goodness and Mercy!

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“Goodness and Mercy!”

Psalm 23 (23:5-6) – May 11, 2025

If you have been listening to the news at all this past week, you probably have heard: there is a new pope! Pope Leo XIV.

With the pageantry and voting by the Papal Conclave, during this last week the world has had many news stories and op-eds about the process of choosing a pope. As the Papal Conclave met, on Thursday the first North American pope was chosen, the former Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV. And, not only is there a new pope, but he was born on the south side of Chicago! A real home town boy, indeed.  

As we think about this recent selection of the head of the worldwide Catholic church, several general descriptions of a representative Pope, the leader of the church, come to my mind. Some popes can be described as more this way than others, but Pope Leo sounds like he may indeed be an example of all of these.

The pope is seen as a bridge, connecting the disparate countries and regions of the Catholic church, and a bridge reaching out to other faith communities around the world. Also, a champion of the poor, the hungry, the migrant and immigrant, the least of these. And, most importantly for us today, the Pope can be seen as a Shepherd among shepherds. The Chief Shepherd for the Catholic church, caring for his sheep.

Does that sound familiar? Our Scripture reading today is Psalm 23. This reading goes along with Shepherd Sunday. Like the other Scripture readings today, it reminds us that God is our Chief heavenly Shepherd. We highlight this gorgeous expression of trust in God, written by King David several thousand years ago. Countless people over the centuries have found comfort in grief, solace and encouragement in sorrow, in these words and reflections.

As we consider the reflections of King David, thinking back to his time shepherding his father’s sheep, this psalm displays “comfort and reassurance of God’s caring presence with us throughout life, whether we’re in the ‘green pastures’ of verse 2 or the ‘darkest valley’ of verse 4. That’s definitely the narrative that the psalmist intended to describe and celebrate and from which, millions of us have taken comfort for generations past.” [1]

One of my favorite commentators Carolyn Brown reminds us that “it is important to recognize that the Good Shepherd is a metaphor and children have a hard time with metaphors.  Studies show that most children do not develop the brain skill of transference that is necessary to understand metaphors until they are into adolescence.  But, the Bible and our worship is filled with metaphors.  I suspect that we help the children claim them when we carefully explore the details of a few key ones, expecting them to become familiar with the concrete part of the metaphor and some of the spiritual realities it embodies, but not fully making the connection until later.  The Good Shepherd is definitely one of those key metaphors. 

“Dr. Maria Montessori reports that while working in a children’s hospital she found that when she told sick children stories about the Good Shepherd using small wooden figures, they almost all grabbed the figure and held onto it “for keeps.”  So the Good Shepherd made sense to them in some way.” [2]

That is all very well, to talk about the Shepherd psalm as literature and as a metaphor. But, can I personalize this scripture reading, and get some meaning out of it for me? Where am I in this psalm? Can I see myself in this scripture passage?

Yes, I certainly can, and I hope you can, too.

I can recognize myself throughout. David compares himself to a sheep, here, and the Lord God is the Good Shepherd. So, when I look at this psalm, I find I have no problem seeing myself as a sheep, too. If you imagine with me here, we can all identify as sheep in the flock that Jesus our Good Shepherd herds and leads.

This Sunday is the fourth Sunday after Easter, which many faith traditions in the Christian church celebrate as “Good Shepherd Sunday.” This is the Sunday where we particularly highlight our Good Shepherd, our true and eternal shepherd Jesus.

When we consider the Latin word for shepherd, we come upon the word “pastor.” Catholics worldwide are rejoicing that they again have what they term as a “universal pastor here on earth in Pope Leo.” [3] From all accounts, as the former Father Robert Prevost served in Peru for several decades, he was a pastor and shepherd for the local churches among the rural parishes he served. He highlights social justice. He has a heart for the poor, the underserved, the migrant and immigrant, and the stranger among us – just as our Lord Jesus told us to do, in Matthew 25.  

In Psalm 23, the Good Shepherd knows the difficulties and the dangers of the land, as well as the easy places, the pleasant, sheltered places. That’s true, in our case, too. God knows where each of us has been, and where each of us is going. God knows our every step, and our every misstep, too. God goes ahead of us, to look over the terrain, and check out any adverse conditions. There are no surprises to God.

            So, is it any wonder that this psalm ends with the marvelous words “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” God knows where we have been, and God knows where each of us is going. And, God is right by our sides all the way, no matter what.

            Good, devout people of faith all over the world are praying today with hope and thanksgiving for this new church leader, Pope Leo XIV. We can join our prayers with theirs as we come to God on this Shepherd Sunday, remembering our Good Shepherd, our Lord Jesus. That is truly good news for all of us! Alleluia, amen.

@chaplaineliza

(Suggestion: visit me at my other blogs: matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers. #PursuePEACE – and  A Year of Being Kind . Thanks!

[1] https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/weekly-worship/monthly/2025-may/sunday-11-may-2025-fourth-sunday-of-easter-year-c

[2] http://worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.com/2015/03/year-b-fourth-sunday-of-easter-april-26.html

[3] https://nypost.com/2025/05/10/world-news/cardinal-dolan-reveals-how-future-pope-leo-xiv-impressed-him-at-the-conclave-and-predicts-what-kind-of-pontiff-he-will-be/

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Trust in the LORD!

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“Trust in the LORD!”

Psalm 20 (20:7) – June 16, 2024

            I seldom mention politics in my sermons, but today will be an exception. I am uncomfortable, even alarmed at the general political conversation in the United States right now, in June 2024. Many people across our country are polarized, in terms of political discussion. All kinds of issues – from schooling, bussing, immigrants, guns, diversity, human rights, ecology, taxes, unemployment, science – you name it. Just about any and every issue can be a battleground today. It seems like any two people, or two groups, or two countries have got to be fighting with each other all the time.

            This makes me want to come before God, and bring my concerns before the Lord about the political conversation – or downright fighting! – that is so regularly going on today! I read in one of my commentaries on Psalm 20, written more than ten years ago, that our commentator at that time saw “so many people willing to tear people’s reputations and actions to shreds; regardless of however right or wrong are their opinions, and their understanding!”

In her commentary, Joan Stott goes on to say “We are going through a particularly ‘sticky’ situation … people seem to be delighting in other people’s potential mistakes and/or problems, and ridiculing their deliberately made decisions.” [1] Wow. Double wow! If that argumentative attitude was pervasive in this country twelve years ago, imagine today, with fist fights breaking out in rooms and chambers where our elected representatives meet.   
            Here in our worship service, this space is set apart to be directed to God. We have the luxury of having this special place for worship, prayer, praise and thanksgiving. And, petition, too, when we need God’s help. That is what Psalm 20 begins with: petition to our God. “1 May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May God send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.”

From current news stories from across our country, I do not think many people step back and consider wisely before they angrily express opinions or enter into arguments. They yell and shout and sometimes even get into fist fights over political disagreements.

But, wait. This psalm also mentions war, and fighting. Except, coupled with prayer. Our psalmist is lifting up the concept of praying to God before making any decision, especially one as serious as a battle. Leaders from across the world this past Thursday gathered on the beaches in Normandy to remember the 80th anniversary of D-Day, June 6th, 1944. In one of the many articles commemorating this huge wartime operation, I read one about General Dwight Eisenhower, who supervised the invasions of France and Germany for the American forces.

General Eisenhower wrote a draft of a memo that was never released, just in case the invasion failed. Included among his remarks is: “My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that Bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone.” [2]  And, contemporary accounts tell us Eisenhower definitely prayed earnestly about the attack.

            Is there any solution to our anxiety about contentious or brawling arguments in politics today? Something that is definitely rare in today’s political discussion is active listening, and considerate hearing of different points of view. Commentator Joan Stott is grateful for “wise and considered decisions that in the past, have been made following earnest prayer, and hours of listening to … people’s viewpoints and needs.” [3] Oh, that we might be blessed with more leaders locally and nationally who are wise, and act in measured and rational ways.

            Which brings us back to Psalm 20. Not only does this psalm lift up the people of the nation: “4 May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. 5 May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God.” Moreover, this psalm points us toward the ultimate source of our strength, in verse 7! “7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

            I know that many prayers went up to God before the Normandy invasion in June of 1944. I am so grateful that meticulous planning and considered, measured judgment came into play in the whole operation. Would that a small amount of that measured thinking and considered judgment be used today, as friends, and acquaintances, and our political leaders engage in political infighting and mean-spirited arguments.

            What can you and I do about all this argumentation? I know it seems like a huge problem! Insurmountable, sometimes. Especially when you and I come up against angry words or harsh opinions, or even fist fights! However, we can take this psalm into our lives and hearts today, and ask God to be with each of us as we go about our daily activities.

            Plus, as a congregation before God, we know that God is with each of us, in power and in strength. This psalm really lifts up this image of God! The Lord is saving us for a life in heaven, yes! And, the Lord is saving us here and now, from the ways sin impacts our lives! [4]  Sin? Yes – not following God, not acting and speaking in ways that lift up our God. And, arguing and infighting about politics are certainly not pointing people to our loving and powerful God!  

            We – you and I are the sign that God is at work in the world. And, we can show people day by day that we are living lives that show forth God’s purposes. Not arguing, not bickering, and certainly no fist fights! Instead, we can all strive to apply God’s love, understanding and reconciliation to our speech and our actions, each and every day.

            The writer of this psalm knew from personal experience “that to call on God when in need was to place our lives, our thinking and planning within God’s overview, and to trust always in God’s leading and guidance.” [5] That was true thousands of years ago, and it is just as true today. Whether fighting with swords, shields, arrows and armor, or with the weapons of argument, animosity and downright hatred of one group against another. We need to go to God and have God lead us and guide us each day. May it be so! Alleluia, amen. 

@chaplaineliza

(Suggestion: visit me at my other blogs: matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers. and  A Year of Being Kind . Thanks!

[1] http://www.thetimelesspsalms.net/w_resources/pentecost3[11]b_2012.htm

[2] https://www.businessinsider.com/d-day-in-case-of-failure-letter-by-general-eisenhower-2012-6

[3] http://www.thetimelesspsalms.net/w_resources/pentecost3[11]b_2012.htm

[4] https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship-planning/ascribe-to-god/fourth-sunday-after-pentecost-year-b-lectionary-planning-notes

[5] http://www.thetimelesspsalms.net/w_resources/pentecost3[11]b_2012.htm

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Our Mighty Fortress

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“Our Mighty Fortress”

Psalm 46:1-7 (46:7) – October 30, 2022

Here we are at Reformation Sunday, the week of the year when we remember Martin Luther posting his list of grievances against the church establishment of the Catholic Church, more than 500 years ago in 1517. These 95 grievances against the Church sparked a movement of protest that was felt around the world. And thus, the Protestant Church was born.

Our psalm reading today was Martin Luther’s favorite psalm. And, what a marvelous psalm to choose! Martin took this psalm to heart, for a whole host of reasons! These were literal reasons, too. The Lord was indeed his fortress, helping him to stay safe through all danger.

The official Catholic Church hierarchy certainly had it in for Martin Luther! After defending himself against strident criticism from scholars and theologians, and legal challenges for years, the official verdict registered by the Catholic Church was not in Luther’s favor. He broke with Rome in 1521. Because he would not recant his views on God, salvation by faith, and the Bible, Luther was officially on the run from the Catholic establishment.

I think of Martin on the run, like young David, after Samuel anointed him king. Martin Luther needed the Lord to be a strong and secure refuge for him, what with all the military and operational might of the Catholic Church coming after him! Looking at the first verses, “God as a Fortress against the threats of nature (verses 1-3). The dominant theme of the psalm is trust in God, first sounded in verse 1, “God is our refuge and strength.” [1] A mighty fortress indeed!

This brought me to thinking, how do you and I trust? Do we – do you trust God to be a secure protection for us and our families? If not, why not? Just like King David, we can see time after time where people from the Bible – both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament – trusted in God to be their refuge and strong fortress, as Martin wrote in the hymn we sang today.

We also remember Father Martin Luther – for he was a Catholic priest – as a sincere, devout follower of Jesus Christ. He thought long and hard about sin and confession, faith and grace. He thought a lot about God’s Word, and eventually translated the whole Bible – both Old and New Testaments – into German, the common tongue of his day and area of Germany. And, thank God that Martin was not only a theologian, but a skilled writer, translator, preacher and musician, too.

The Catholic Church hierarchy did not approve of the Bible translated into the common tongue, which was one of the reasons Martin was on the run. As we examine Psalm 46, one big feature of this psalm is the word “help.” “’Help’ has a more active sense, identifying God as one who takes action to assist those in trouble. Verses 2 and 3 indicate that God’s people need not fear the worst that nature can hurl at them, whether it be earthquakes or floods. Because no matter what, God will be with them.” [2]

Like Martin Luther on the run in parts of Germany, like King David in the wilderness of Israel, God can be our help and refuge, too. Let’s be clear: this psalm is not talking pie-in-the-sky, or looking at the world through rose-colored glasses. This psalm is clear and realistic. It does not promise “we as God’s people will be free from the ravages of nature or of war or of individual suffering. But they do promise that we will not have to go through these things alone. ‘The LORD of hosts is with us … ‘” [3]

This precious hymn written by Luther was not only a refuge from earthly disasters, but is also personal in nature. Rev. Janet Hunt, a Lutheran minister, mentions that she hears it “as much more personal now, knowing as we do that ‘the old satanic foe’ threatened him with the sorts of ‘woes’ one could only begin to understand if one has been there. The heart-wrenching, life altering death of a child, to name but one. The days and nights of struggling to hold on to faith when the Church which had borne the faith to him no longer lived up to its promises. The fear which must have possessed Luther as his very life was threatened.” [4]

Sure, with everything going on in the world today, we also have reason to be scared half to death! Yet, we have “a God who has been time-tested and, over and over again, can be trusted upon to keep you secure in your time of trouble. Either way – and in all times and circumstances – we have a God who has got us covered. That is what Psalm 46 declares. And that is what Luther wanted to proclaim in “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.”” [5]

Can we – you and I – loosen our tight grip on all we are clutching to our chests, knowing that God indeed holds everything? Including us?

This Reformation Sunday, Psalm 46 talks of a refuge, and a help in our great need.

Yes, God is indeed our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. That’s something to truly celebrate. Alleluia, amen.


@chaplaineliza

(Suggestion: visit me at my other blogs: matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers. #PursuePEACE – and  A Year of Being Kind . Thanks!

[1] https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/reformation-day/commentary-on-psalm-46-12

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] https://dancingwiththeword.com/being-still-letting-go/

[5] “A Mighty Fortress is our God” is not the only English translation of Luther’s “Ein Feste Burg.” Thomas Carlyle, the nineteenth century Scottish commentator, offered this version: “A safe stronghold our God is still, a trusty shield and weapon.” Carlyle’s contemporary, George MacDonald, rendered stanza one, verse one, in this way: “Our God he is a castle strong, a good mailcoat and weapon.”

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God, Our Light

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“God, Our Light”

Psalm 27:1-10 (27:1) – March 13, 2022

            When I set the theme for the Second Sunday in Lent about three weeks ago, I had no idea that there would be an actual war being waged, right now. The Russian army is attacking Ukraine as we speak, and all the horrors of modern-day warfare are a reality, all across the country of Ukraine. Psalm 27 means so much to many of the Ukrainian people right now.

            As this congregation highlights another petition of the Lord’s Prayer, “Deliver us from evil,” we are brought up sharply by the traumatic situation in our own world. We can turn on war news, from both national as well as international media. Videos and photos are – sadly – readily accessible, and the news is heart-rending. No matter which side you are on.

            Wasn’t this the case when King David wrote this psalm, so many centuries before?

            Wars, rumors of wars, battles, skirmishes, fighting – and King David writes this song of praise to the Lord, to thank the Lord for deliverance from evil.

            King David was certainly no stranger to fighting and to war. After King Saul ran David off into the Judean wilderness (a harsh and unhospitable place, the same place where Jesus went after His baptism), David stayed away from Jerusalem for years. Even though David was rightfully anointed by the prophet Samuel as king of Israel, David would not lift his hand against King Saul. At the same time, David was essentially a guerilla leader of 600 battle-hardened fighters, for years. They also would do mercenary fighting, while on the run from King Saul and the troops of Israel. And, that was just the beginning of David being a fighter.

            As we see from both 1 and 2 Samuel, David knew what he was talking about when he wrote these psalms about the Lord delivering him and his men from evil – from war, and from fighting. David was on the run from King Saul for over ten years. And, he was no coward! However, he thanked God that God watched over him and kept him from evil – kept him from being overtaken by the troops of King Saul, as well as foreign troops he was fighting against.

            You and I are not fighting battles against opposing armies, but we still can come to God, praying this psalm for our safety. You and I might consider evil to be bad stuff. Bullies who intimidate and harass. Robbers who steal purses or take cell phones or wallets. Car-jackings, vindictive anger, abusive behavior, vandals who destroy property. All of these are evil, and we can pray for God to protect us from all of these, plus many more.

            As our commentator Beth Tanner says, “With all of the violence in our world, Christians are faced almost daily with a decision to live in fear, or despite their fear, to trust in God and God’s promises.“ [1] “Deliver us from evil” is a powerful prayer! A prayer of trust and assurance in God’s provision, in God’s ability to keep us safe, whatever our situation.

            Yet, the world has had many, many wars through the centuries. Many, many periods of fighting, ethnic strife, border conflicts, and even genocides. Horrific atrocities committed, and whole societies, entire countries stricken by death and destruction. How can anyone lift up their hearts to God in such catastrophic times?

We know, too, God wants us to be hospitable, even in such times. “To choose to remain true to God’s principles of hospitality feels frightening as well. Terrorists and Refugees come from the same places. Gun violence comes out of nowhere and even those places we considered safe are safe no longer. Fear threatens to defeat the gifts of trust and hospitality.” [2]

            It is so interesting that King David seems to waver back and forth, from the sure certainty of God’s saving power to fear of some kind of situation where David’s enemies are trying to “devour his flesh,” as Psalm 27:2 tells us. Whatever the specific problems or fighting happens to be, we suspect God may turn away. Don’t you, sometimes? Even if you are usually firm in faith and fervent in prayer, sometimes…stuff happens. People fail us. Situations baffle us. How can we cope? What is there to do? God, help us!  Sometimes we need to step back, take a deep breath, and think of difficult things as a child might. The best child’s translation of this part of the prayer is “Lord, save us from all the bad stuff that happens.” [3]

And yet,” right in the middle of his expressions of fear, the Psalmist also declares his confident faith that God’s presence is like a light that keeps him safe.” [4] Our Scripture reading today, Psalm 27, remains as a beacon. This encourages us to come to God even as we find ourselves afraid. Even, afraid out of our wits.

We might find ourselves praying the Lord’s Prayer, and saying it by rote, without even concentrating on the words as they come out of our mouths. Yet – “Lent is a time to ask the deep questions of our faith. We can repeat the fears of the past, or trust a new ending to God. It is never easy, but it is the call of God on our lives. This psalm invites us to believe again that our faith in God will never desert us, no matter what happens. Life without fear is not possible, but faith can call us to live into God’s will for our life instead of reducing our lives because of our fears and insecurities.” [5]

Yes, “deliver us from evil” is a powerful prayer, indeed. Yes, we can be afraid, and yes, God can alleviate our fears. If we want to dispel the darkness of fear, we can affirm that God is indeed our light and our salvation. We can all say amen to that!

@chaplaineliza

(Suggestion: visit me at my other blogs: matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers. #PursuePEACE – and  A Year of Being Kind . Thanks!

[1]   https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/second-sunday-in-lent-3/commentary-on-psalm-27-3

[2]   Ibid.

[3]  http://worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.com/2016/01/year-c-second-sunday-in-lent-february.html

[4]   https://thewakingdreamer.blogspot.com/2014/01/what-do-we-have-to-fear.html

“What Do We Have To Fear?” Alan Brehm, The Waking Dreamer, 2016.

[5]   https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/second-sunday-in-lent-3/commentary-on-psalm-27-3

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The Poor Widow’s Gift

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“The Poor Widow’s Gift”

Mark 12-42 widow, mite mosaic

Mark 12:38-44 – November 11, 2018

You know celebrities? Many of us follow their activities. Look at popular tabloids, magazines, television, and computer screens. It seems like the richer the celebrity, the better. So many celebrities give away a lot of money, or a lot of stuff, and they get a lot of applause. Look at Oprah Winfrey, Taylor Swift, Bono, and Angelina Jolie. All of them are very open in their giving, and they are to be commended, even applauded.

Many people watch celebrities, to see what they do, and even how they give. This is not a new activity. People have been doing it for centuries. In our Gospel reading today, people were watching, too. The offering box for the Temple was in the back, by the exit door. In the first century, apparently it was common for people to sit or stand near the offering box and watch as the faithful put in their offerings.

In the first century, all money clinked. All money was in coins. That means, no paper money. When anyone threw money in the offering box, the money made a metallic sound. I suspect there even were some who knew what kinds of noises different coins made. They possibly could keep “score,” regarding what kinds of coins were given by which people.

In the first part of our Gospel reading, our Lord Jesus calls out the temple leaders. Jesuse tells His disciples that the teachers of the Law of Moses are hypocrites. “They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”

Whoa! This is judging! And, judging pretty severely, too. Notice, please, where Jesus mentions “devouring widows’ houses.”

Does everyone here understand what happened to a widow, after her husband died? She had no way to earn money, and very quickly she would become poor, sometimes even losing the house she lived in. That’s a direct condemnation of the group Jesus was talking about in the first verses. He’s weighing one group of people against another.

These religious leaders had special clothing that actually was very different from the clothing of the other, “blue-collar” workers around them. The leaders had fancy long sleeves and elaborate cloaks that came down to the ground, which would just get in the way for the blue-collar workers. What is more, the synagogue leaders just loved to sit at the head table for public events or at synagogue functions.

“While those actions may have seemed spiritual, Jesus warns they’re signs that the religious leaders especially enjoy the attention they receive from people. However, Jesus also points out that the religious leaders of his day don’t just crave attention.  They’re also hungry for material things.  Jesus grieves, for example, how they “devour widow’s houses,” exploiting these defenseless people.” [1]

So, these religious leaders are two-faced and hypocrites. What else is new? The way the scribes/Pharisees treat the widows. That is, the poor, the indigent. Horrible example for others. They were throwing their pocket change (jingle, jingle) in the giving box in the back of the synagogue, so everyone could see AND hear how MUCH they gave, all the while neglecting and even robbing the widows of what the Temple offering would have given the poor.

This sermon is about so much more than the poor widow and her tiny gift. But, now that I’m referring to that, what about her gift, anyway?

If they were lucky, some widows had a small next egg saved up for a rainy day. And when that was gone, they had nothing. Zero. Talk about living on a fixed income! With no life insurance, Social Security or other government safety nets, these widows were often sunk, Out of luck, unless the synagogue chipped in or helped out, that is.

Jesus pointed out that ““Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

What a contrast! On one hand, the show-off religious leaders, with their ostentatious gifts of money they can easily afford. On the other hand, we have people like this widow, giving her all.

But, what about the attitude of giving we see here?  One of the commentators says, “Some of the happiest, most fulfilled people on the face of this planet have the fewest resources and choice. These same people are also some of the most generous. They don’t seem convinced that hoarding their meager resources is the best use of them, and they appear to find more joy and possibility in sharing with others and in building relationship capital.” [2]

Another way of saying a similar thing? In the archives on a pastor’s chat-board, a Pastor JD from Washington DC gave the following example. “The widow gave from her “poverty” it says. Think about people who have given from their vulnerable experiences, from their “poverty” and, in so doing, have helped others beyond measure. An alcoholic revealing to a problem drinker his or her life’s story; A woman who has survived breast cancer shares her struggle with someone newly diagnosed; A Christian shares his faith doubts and journey revealing a realistic and growing faith.” [3]

Think about it. Those who knowingly share in their poverty are truly the most giving and trusting individuals of the world. God doesn’t want 10%, God wants 100%, regardless of whether we have less than others or more than others. God wants it all.

Each week we sing “We give thee but thine own, what-e’er the gift may be; All that we have is thine alone, a trust O Lord, from thee.” All we have is from God and we are to use all for the Glory of God. Giving our all, and trusting in God to take care of us.

May we all strive to follow this Godly example. So help us, God. Amen.

[1] http://cep.calvinseminary.edu/sermon-starters/proper-27b/?type=the_lectionary_gospel

The Center for Excellence in Preaching commentary and sermon illustrations, Scott Hoezee, 2015.

[2] http://www.stewardshipoflife.org/2015/11/the-abundant-life/

“The Abundant Life,” Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2015.

[3] http://desperatepreacher.com//bodyii.htm 

@chaplaineliza

(Suggestion: visit me at my regular blog for 2018: matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers. #PursuePEACE – and my other blog,  A Year of Being Kind . Thanks!