Devotion • November 4
Today's Scripture
Mark 12:41–44
He 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.” (NRSV)
Reflection
The Christian story is filled with mind-bending, norm-defying acts.
Oceans part. A virgin gives birth. Those once dead live.
But perhaps the hardest to fathom, the most difficult to believe, are the moments in which God’s followers part with their money. In some sense, it is the greatest of miracles.
Nothing stands in contrast more to what we might perceive as our human nature.
And yet the Bible is filled with moments of God’s people doing just that: giving it all away.
The widow parts with her coins.
The tax collector gives half of his possessions away.
The early disciples pool their resources and hold it in common.
Miraculous.
Christian generosity, that mind-bending, norm-defying act, is about more than just pledging or donating your money.
It’s about believing that God is still at work in the world.
It’s about trusting that God will give us this day our daily bread.
It’s about saying yes to God and joining with others in bringing about a new, more generous, just, and joyful creation.
And it’s about following the example of the widow and giving not for show or obligation, but because you so yearn for a deeper connection with the work of God.
Yes, the body resurrects and water turns to wine, but the changing of our mortal hearts — the commitment to a more joyful, generous life — remains for me the most awe-inspiring miracle, for the act of giving transforms not only own lives, but the entire world.
Prayer
Gracious God, in this season of stewardship, receive what we offer to you. By your power, transform our gifts into enough money, sufficient praise, and worthy words for proclaiming and enacting the welcome of your love — which keeps us all. Amen.
Written by Shawn Fiedler, Major Gift Officer
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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