Charmed or challenged

a verse or two
“[Jesus] sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, 'Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” Mark 12:41-44

Spiritual Walk and Musings: a familiar Bible story from a different viewpoint.

We used the following blurb last year—it is some thoughts by Peter Graystone in his book 365 Ways to Make a Difference on the story of the Widows Mite. It offers a good alternative way to ponder this morning’s Bible reading and sermon.

“Have a look at this incident through the eyes of a well-off community. It is about a widow who loved God. She had nothing in worldly terms. And yet everything she had, she was prepared to give to him. Through these eyes it is an inspiring story of deep inner devotion. We should have a love for God and a generosity toward him as profound as that.

Now have a look at the same story through the eyes of a poor community. It is about a religious institution that had no qualms about how much suffering it caused. It increased its own wealth by charging the temple tax regardless of people's ability to pay.

So heartless was it that a destitute woman was made to pay an entire penny - everything she owned. Through these eyes it is a crushing indictment of a church that no longer protected the poor, but exploited them. We should examine ourselves and the running of our churches rigorously.

It is unsettling when you see a familiar Bible story from a new viewpoint, isn't it! To whom do these stories belong - rich communities or poor communities? Depending on how you answer, Jesus words will leave you either charmed or challenged.”

Something to do: Charmed or challenged:

“Cut a piece of paper to the size of a credit card. On it write 'charmed' or 'challenged' or both words, or some other phrase that describes your personal response to this powerful story. Put it in your wallet so that you are reminded of what you feel now from time to time when you are about to spend money.”

To Ponder and Pray: Words of praise from the Asian Women's Resource Centre for Culture and Theology

In the midst of hunger and war
  we celebrate the promise of plenty and peace.
In the midst of doubt and despair
  we celebrate the promise of faith and hope.
In the midst of sin and decay
  we celebrate the promise of salvation and renewal.
In the midst of death on every side
  we celebrate the promise of the living Christ.