March 13

Today we continue our series on the Gospel of Mark with the account of the “widow’s offering” which takes place in the Jerusalem Temple in the area of the treasury.  Jesus uses this account to contrast the rich who give out of their wealth and the widow, who is literally “all in” giving everything out of her “poverty.”

The concept of giving out of our “poverty” is especially important in the season of Lent.  It is a season when we realize, along with centuries of those chosen by God, that God desires we offer all we have and are including:

·         Our sins and shortcomings,

·         Our feelings of anxiety and unworthiness,

·         Our hurts as well as our hopes.

The reason, as we will see in the next several weeks, is that God gives “wealth” at our areas of need:

·         Forgiveness and completeness,

·         Peace and worth,

·         Healing and a future.

Eastminster is indeed a generous church when we offer up to God not only our time, talent and treasure, but also the poverty of our souls which only Christ can make whole.

It’s two weeks until Easter.  Take time to pray daily, offering God all you have… good, bad and ugly.  Be silent in listening prayer.  Read the Gospel of Mark one more time before Easter preparing for all of God’s good gifts to you.  The account of Holy Week begins in Mark 11 with Palm Sunday, which we celebrate next week with a processional. 

May this be a time of renewal and transformation… in the places of our lives and church where we need it the most!

See you in Church,
Tim