Monday’s thoughts
“The Widow’s Conspiracy”
The sermon for Sunday, August 19th will deal with the story of the “Widow’s Mite”. This is one of my favorite stories in the bible. It reminds us of the importance of even the smallest thing. The woman who gave the least actually gave the most because she, out of her poverty, gave all that she had.
It seems so important for us to think of what we are able to do when we are apt to concentrate on what we are not able to do. We become paralysed by our perceived inabilities to the point we forget to try to do what we can.
The gift of a bag full of pennies sent by a little child awakened a community to the need for a hospital and the hospital at Temple University was built. How many people voting might have changed history? Both of the recent presidential elections were decided by a very narrow margin. Most adventures are determined by the courage it takes to stay in the battle just a little longer. Most of the important things have been done in the world have been accomplished by people who were having a bad day, and by people who almost gave up.
What can be done if we determine the little bit that we do can change things in a big way?
We will hear the story of the “Widow’s Mite” once more. It is one of the most important stories in the Bible. I think it had to be one of Jesus’ favorite stories because his message continued to focus on the capabilities of every person, and the potential of the spirit of those whose will was God’s will (whose will was to do good).
When we give our offering to the church why do we do it?
Is it out of guilt?
Is it in response to something in which we believe?
It it because we feel we must or ought?
Ayn Rand was convinced that altruism is basically selfish. It was her conviction that every act was an effort to bring credit, attention, or glory upon the giver. I don’t think Ayn Rand is correct about that. It think there are selfless acts.
What do you think?
Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. I’d love to hear from you. If you are willing to have other people see your response click on the ‘comments’ box below.
I look forward to reading your comments.
Charles Schuster
