Pentecost 23b - 1 Kings 17:8-16; Psalm 146; Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44
The texts for Pentecost 23b are connected by the unexpected. The jar that should be empty and the jug that should be dry continue to provide for a widow and her son who had planned to eat one last meal and die. The psalm praises God’s plan for the poor that is more trustworthy than the plans and power of princes. Hebrews declares the One condemned by the High Priest for blasphemy against the Holy One of Israel is the One whose death makes Israel holy once for all. And in the Gospel the widow’s two pennies are worthy of note while offerings from abundance are not. These texts should remind us that God is always showing up in the unexpected. And expecting the unexpected we might be more generous with what we have because Jesus, like the widow, gave us all he had.
During a year in which I have met several unexpected challenges, it helps to be reminded to be on the lookout for unexpected generosity as well. Thank you for these reflections, Pr. Phil!
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