Jay McDivitt, Waukesha, WI

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Warm-up Question

On a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being “Totally cool” and 10 being “I’m afraid to get out of bed” – how would you rate your Fear Factor these days? How afraid are you? Of what?

Fear Factor

Bombs and guns ripped through Paris. Suicide bombing attacks kill hundreds at a funeral in Baghdad and a street scene in Beirut. Governors are shutting down borders to keep Syrian refugees out. France is asking the world to join them in waging war on ISIS/ISIL/Daesh/Whatever. And Starbucks refuses to put snowflakes and reindeer on their coffee cups.

The world just seems totally messed up.

In the midst of it all, this lovely story made the rounds on Facebook:
Gate A-4 By Naomi Shihab Nye:

Wandering around the Albuquerque Airport Terminal, after learning my flight had been delayed four hours, I heard an announcement: “If anyone in the vicinity of Gate A-4 understands any Arabic, please come to the gate immediately.” Well— one pauses these days. Gate A-4 was my own gate. I went there.

An older woman in full traditional Palestinian embroidered dress, just like my grandma wore, was crumpled to the floor, wailing. “Help,” said the flight agent. “Talk to her . What is her problem? We told her the flight was going to be late and she did this.”

I stooped to put my arm around the woman and spoke haltingly. “Shu-dow-a, shu-bid-uck, habibti? Stani schway, min fadlick, shu-bit-se-wee?” The minute she heard any words she knew, however poorly used, she stopped crying. She thought the flight had been cancelled entirely. She needed to be in El Paso for major medical treatment the next day. I said, “No, we’re fine, you’ll get there, just late, who is picking you up? Let’s call him.”

We called her son, I spoke with him in English. I told him I would stay with his mother till we got on the plane. She talked to him. Then we called her other sons just for the fun of it. Then we called my dad and he and she spoke for a while in Arabic and found out of course they had ten shared friends. Then I thought just for the heck of it why not call some Palestinian poets I know and let them chat with her? This all took up two hours.

She was laughing a lot by then. Telling about her life, patting my knee, answering questions. She had pulled a sack of homemade mamool cookies— little powdered sugar crumbly mounds stuffed with dates and nuts— from her bag and was offering them to all the women at the gate. To my amazement, not a single traveler declined one. It was like a sacrament. The traveler from Argentina, the mom from California, the lovely woman from Laredo— we were all covered with the same powdered sugar. And smiling. There is no better cookie.

Then the airline broke out free apple juice and two little girls from our flight ran around serving it and they were covered with powdered sugar too. And I noticed my new best friend— by now we were holding hands— had a potted plant poking out of her bag, some medicinal thing, with green furry leaves. Such an old country traveling tradition. Always carry a plant. Always stay rooted to somewhere.

And I looked around that gate of late and weary ones and thought, This is the world I want to live in. The shared world. Not a single person in that gate— once the crying of confusion stopped— seemed apprehensive about any other person. They took the cookies. I wanted to hug all those other women too.

This can still happen anywhere. Not everything is lost.

Discussion Questions

• Does fear help or hurt our ability to love each other and share moments like what happened in the airport?
• Has fear made it difficult for you to do the right thing? When has fear been helpful to you?
• Tell the story of finding joy or experiencing grace/love with someone who is very different from you.

First Sunday of Advent

Jeremiah 33:14-16

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

Luke 21:25-36

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year B at Lectionary Readings

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

This is a creepy reading from the gospel of Luke. “Signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars…distress among nations…roaring of the sea…be on guard…be alert at all times…like a trap…” Yeesh.

Then again, it sounds kinda sorta exactly like the world in which we live. A world full of things and people to be afraid of. A world that is unpredictable and scary. A world that seems to get darker and darker every day.

So what are we to do as people of Jesus in this crazy world?

If you listen to some, the answer is, “Run and hide! Bury your head in the sand! Lock the doors and pretend it’s not happening! Be afraid – be very afraid!”

What does Jesus say, though? “Stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Yup – when times get tough, when the world is scary, when you don’t know what to do, that is precisely when Jesus shows up. Jesus hangs in there with us when everyone else runs and hides. Jesus finds us in the scary places and gently lifts up our chins so we can look up and see the grace and goodness that God is still bringing into the world. The powdered sugar cookies shared among strangers who cannot speak one another’s languages. The patience to listen to fearful people and assure them that things will be okay. The sun that is rising in the east – the Light which no darkness can overcome.

Fear is natural and normal. Hope is countercultural. But fear won’t take away fear or make the world a more loving and living place. Hope can.

And Hope is totally in Jesus’ wheelhouse.

Discussion Questions

•  Why is it easier to be afraid than hopeful?
• When have you felt hopeful in the midst of fear?
• When have you “closed your eyes” or “buried your head” out of fear? When have you opened your eyes, raised your head, and dared to be hopeful? When have other people helped you to be brave and hopeful rather than fearful?

Activity Suggestions

Materials: Blank paper, pens/pencils, colored pencils/crayons.

On one side of the paper, write “FEAR.” Draw or list/brainstorm things that you are afraid of – or things that others tell you to be afraid of. On the other side, write “HOPE.” Draw or list/brainstorm ways to be hopeful when you are tempted to be afraid.

Closing Prayer

: Light the first candle on the Advent wreath – or a candle, if you don’t have a wreath.

One: The light shines in the darkness.

Many: And the darkness cannot overcome it.

One: Let us pray. Holy One, we live in a scary world. Every day we see images and stories that make us want to bury our heads in the sand. Come to us in the Light of this flame. Help us to stand up and raise our heads and open our eyes to see Your Light. Remove our fear and give us Hope. In Jesus’ Name.

Many: Amen.

“As we journey together through the time God has given us, may God give us

the grace of a welcoming heart and an overflowing love for the new neighbors

among us.”  – ELCA, A Social Message on Immigration, 1998.

Aware of the special challenges refugees, migrants, and displaced persons face, ELCA World Hunger has long supported companions and partners that work with people who have been forced to leave their homes for a variety of reasons.  Partners like Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) are critical actors in this work.

Within days after the terrorist attacks in France, governors throughout the United States proclaimed that they would no longer accept Syrian refugees.  As of November 18, 26 governors had issued such statements.  Legally, of course, governors cannot stop refugees, but they can make it very hard on them, by withholding state funds to help them resettle, by refusing to issue state identification, or by increasing the already rigorous screening process for certain refugees or immigrants.  On November 20, the House of Representatives voted to suspend the program allowing Syrian and Iraqi refugees into the United States.

This presents a good occasion for recalling some of the reasons Lutherans support this important work.  The Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) has issued a response to these developments, noting poignantly, “To close the door on resettling Syrian refugees would be nothing less than signing a death warrant for tens of thousands of families fleeing for their very lives.”  But there are other reasons Lutherans continue to accompany immigrants and refugees beyond the dire consequences many of them currently face.  (For some background to a Lutheran view on undocumented immigration, see this earlier post.)

#1 –Remembering who we were

Christian ethics, in general, and Lutheran ethics, in particular, begin with memory.  The Hebrew Scriptures tell a story of our ancient ancestors enslaved in Egypt.  They were strangers in a strange land, but God led them to freedom, and it is this action of God that lays the foundation of their own vocation toward strangers: “You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 10:19). The special concern for widows, strangers, and orphans in the Hebrew Scriptures is rooted in God’s care of the people when they were helpless and landless.

It isn’t an overstatement to say that, for Lutherans, the whole of the moral life is memory.  From a religious perspective, good works aren’t done out of blind obedience or to earn a spot in Heaven; for Lutherans, good works are done out of gratitude for the grace of God that saved us when we could not save ourselves. They are done in memory of God’s ways of acting toward us.  We were wandering spiritually, and God welcomed us, comforted us, and saved us.

Lutherans, too, can look at more recent history of our own displacement.  After World War II, nearly one in six Lutherans in the world was a refugee or a displaced person.  Some found permanent homes in Europe; others languished in camps.  Thanks to advocacy in part on their behalf, Congress passed the Displaced Persons Act of 1948, which opened the doors to wandering peoples.  Many displaced Lutherans found homes in the United States because this country opened its doors, even accepting those German Lutherans whose country had been at war with the US.  Once here, the National Lutheran Council and other faith-based agencies were critical in helping the refugees resettle.

Spiritually and historically, we are a wandering people whose lives have often depended on the hospitality of others.

#2 – Seeing who we are

As a white, straight, cisgender male, I cannot once recall being asked to speak for all white people, all cisgender men, or all straight people.  But I can recall numerous times when I have heard other people asked to speak for their entire race, their entire ethnic community, or their entire gender.  This is perhaps one of the most complex and pernicious elements of privilege.  My privilege lets me assume I will always be treated as an individual, rather than as merely a representative of an entire group.

As social media exploded with invective calling for the banning of all Syrian refugees because of the nationality of an alleged Paris terrorist, it was no surprise that my suggestion of increasing surveillance of all men went unheeded.  After all, men represent the vast majority of terrorists both foreign and domestic, men are overwhelmingly responsible for mass shootings in the United States, and men are far and away the perpetrators of violence in the home.  If we are serious about protecting communities from violence, perhaps we should start with policies that circumscribe the freedom of men.

Of course, that won’t happen, because men are still privileged the world over, so their gender is not lifted up as problematic in the same way that ethnicity or nationality might be. Those in the center have the privilege of being treated as individuals, while those on the margins are viewed merely as a group.  We saw a similar dynamic at work in regards to anti-Asian racism during World War II.  While German Americans and Italian Americans had numerous exemptions from internment that kept their population in camps very low, Japanese Americans had virtually no exemption from internment and were imprisoned with little question, despite the fact that all three countries of origin were at war with the United States.  Those of European descent were treated as individuals and separately interrogated, whereas those of Japanese descent were treated as a group, with few individual considerations.

For Lutherans, this type of discrimination is not merely problematic; it’s heretical. It is a denial of the foundational belief that humans are created in the image of God.  This doesn’t mean that we naively assume everyone is a good person.  Created in God’s image doesn’t mean “nice.”  It means that each and every human being is a creature with dignity, worthy of our care.  This transcending identity – image of God – is expressed through a variety of penultimate identities – racial, ethnic, sexual, gender, and many more. But our foundational identity as images of God grounds each in dignity. What makes a person worthy of our care, our hospitality, our protection?  Their very creation in the image of God. This is privilege that is universal.

This doesn’t mean we have to like everyone.  Nor does it mean we cannot punish persons when they do wrong. But it does mean we must respect their dignity, and doing so demands that we see what lies beneath their other identities, particularly when they differ from our own.  It means a willingness to hear their story, to let them speak, to see them as more than just a Syrian or just a Muslim or just a Christian. It demands an openness to seeing God through them. “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2).

#3 – Becoming whom we are called to be

It is natural to feel afraid after events like those of last week.  But, for Lutherans, fear cannot be what marks our behavior toward neighbors.  Lutherans believe that God has set us free from sin and death so that we can serve the neighbor confidently and boldly.  We have life so that we may serve our neighbors.  Presiding Bishop of the ELCA Elizabeth Eaton puts it well:

Even in the face of evil, we remain confident that the good news of Jesus Christ liberates us and gives us the freedom and courage to discover and boldly participate in what God is up to in this world…We are not naïve about possible new threats of terrorism, but denying refuge to thousands of desperate people is not who we are as Christians, nor will it guarantee our security.

Martin Luther was also clear on what courage in service of the neighbor means.  In 1527, Luther responded to the question of “whether one may flee from a deadly plague.” His response was straightforward:

A man who will not help or support others unless he can do so without affecting his safety or his property will never help his neighbor.

Life together involves calculated risk.  Lutherans are called to live in love of the neighbor, not in fear of the neighbor.  There is no truly “safe” service. Accompanying our neighbors means walking down dark roads, facing with them situations of violence and oppression and taking risks that things will not go as planned.  We do all this in awareness that a life lived in isolation and fear of one another is not a life worth living.

(Of course, it is necessary to point out here the rigorous screening process each refugee must go through before settling in the United States.  The process is lengthy and involves several agencies.  The recent fear of refugees is more reactionary than reasonable.)

So, faithful people will continue to accompany their displaced neighbors.  LIRS and other agencies will continue their important work, and ELCA World Hunger will continue to support it.  But this will get harder as irrational fear continues to snake through our communities.

You can help.  Be an advocate.  At the water cooler, in the classroom, during coffee hour, from the pulpit and around the table, remember who we are and whom we are called to be.  We Lutherans stand in a long line of people whose existence has depended on God continually loving them despite their failings, on a Messiah opening his arms to those who crucified him, and on a government extending welcome to fearful exiles displaced by tyranny.

We are a migrant people, saved by one whose first human experience was escaping violence with his mother and father (Matt. 2:13-15).

Ryan P. Cumming, Ph.D. is program director for Hunger Education with ELCA World Hunger.  He can be reached at Ryan.Cumming@ELCA.org.

Like ELCA World Hunger on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ELCAworldhunger/

And follow ELCA World Hunger on Twitter – @ELCAWorldHunger

Angie Larson, Clive, IA

Warm-up Question

What does it mean to be a leader?

Who’s in charge?

Jeb Bush, Bernie Sanders, Donald Trump, Ben Carson, Hillary Clinton and many others jostle for recognition to become their party’s candidate in the next presidential election. The election is just under a year away, yet the debates, character defamation, accusations, and campaigning began months ago.  Compare this to Canada’s recent election where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau campaigned for 78 days before winning.

At this point in the United States it seems you can’t turn on your television, look through Facebook, or listen to the radio without hearing opinions, perspectives, and commercials campaigning for one candidate or another. Because the next President will be the leader of the free world in our time, we should take this important decision seriously. Yet, at the same time, the discernment process can be overwhelming for an American citizen.

Discussion Questions

• What are some characteristics you believe the next President of the United States should have?
• How would you hope that the next POTUS would lead the United States?
• What qualities do you think should not be in a president?
• If you could vote in the next United States election, what criteria would you use to discern who would receive your vote?

Christ the King Sunday

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14

Revelation 1:4b-8

John 18:33-37

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year B at Lectionary Readings

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

The text for Christ the King Sunday depicts an interesting event in Jesus’ life and ministry. It begs us to ask the question, “Who reigns?” Jesus is caught in a battle between the Jewish leaders and the Roman Pontius Pilate.  Prior to our assigned text, we find the backstory. The Jewish leaders don’t want to be accountable for Jesus’ death so they hand him over to Pilate, the Roman official responsible for the region. Pilate tries to pass Jesus back to the Jewish leaders saying, “Take him and judge him according to your laws.”   But they resist and demand Pilate’s judgment because they want Jesus put to death, something permitted under Roman but not Jewish law.

Here’s where we can look at the authorities of the time. Pilate asks Jesus an interesting question, “Are you the king of the Jews?”  He is questioning if Jesus has authority here on this earth over this minor group of people in the region for which Pilate is responsible. Jesus replies with a question and doesn’t really answer Pilate. Instead, Jesus explains how his kingdom is not from this world.  Jesus’ kingdom is brought through the truth.  His rule is a different kind of authority, made apparent through his coming crucifixion.

Today, as during Roman times, people often become kings or rulers by conquering and winning battles.  Yet, Jesus shows that his kingdom is one that acts very differently. It manifests itself in the crucifixion, in the taking away of our sins.  It provides us freedom and reconciliation with God, as opposed to resting on dominance.

Discussion Questions

• How is God’s kingdom different from earthly kingdoms?
• What questions do you have about those differences? What is hard to understand?
• If we understood and imitated Jesus’ kingship, how might earthly leadership look different?

Activity Suggestions

Check out some of the candidates’ YouTube sites; look specifically at the ones created by the candidates.  Process with youth how the candidates say they will lead.  How does this compare with how Christ is king? Where are the paradoxes?

Closing Prayer

Blessed Savior, We are grateful today. Thank you for the reminder of where your kingdom is and who the ruler is. Help us to grow in our discernment of our earthly leaders and how we can serve those around us.  Give us the strength to listen to your calling in our lives.  In your name we pray.  Amen.

Jocelyn Breeland, Sunnyvale, CA

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Warm-up Question

Is diversity important?

Diversity and Democracy

San Francisco’s Everett Middle School principal, Lena Van Haren, came under fire last month when she withheld the results of a school election because they did not reflect the school’s diversity. SFGate.com quotes Van Haren saying, “It’s not OK for a school that is really, really diverse to have the student representatives majority white.”

Eighty percent of Everett’s students are non-white, including 56% Hispanic students.

While some students and parents appreciated Van Haren’s concern, there was a strong negative reaction among many parents and students at the school and, thanks to the internet, across the country.

Some said the principal was allowing political correctness to trump democracy. Others said that, although Van Haren claimed to want all voices to be heard, she was ignoring the voices of the student voters.

Van Haren later released the results and she has said she will work with students to find another way – possibly by creating additional positions – to bring greater diversity into student government. She also expressed regret about the controversy and acknowledged she probably should have not withheld the election results. Even so, she believes the public discussion created a teachable moment.

Discussion Questions

• Is it important that the student government reflect the diversity of the student body?
• What might have been a better way for the principal to respond?
• The current U.S. congress is 80 percent male, although the U.S. population is more than 50 percent female. It is also 80 percent white, while whites are only 63 percent of the population.
  • How do you account for these differences?
  • Is this a problem? If so, how might it be addressed?

• What does your faith tell you about diversity?

Lectionary 33

Daniel 12:1-3

Hebrews 10:11-14 [15-18] 19-25

Mark 13:1-8

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year B at Lectionary Readings

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

This portion of Mark’s gospel could be titled, “Don’t Be Distracted.” Don’t be distracted by the size and beauty of the temple, for it will fall. Don’t be distracted by false messiahs; they are imposters. Don’t be distracted by war and strife, these things will happen.

The disciples of Jesus’ day had trouble comprehending his hints about the destruction of the temple and his second coming and they were eager for greater clarity about the events that would signal the “beginnings of sorrows.” Modern Christians can perhaps be forgiven if we look for meaning in these signs. After all, we’ve been taught that everything fits, somehow, into God’s plan. We see dramatic events, especially bad ones like war, and wonder where they fit in. And we are eager for a sign that God is still in control.

“Take heed,” Jesus says, “that no one deceives you.” We should not let anyone or anything fool us into doubting the reality of God’s covenant in Christ. The temple may fall, but God still stands with his people. Fake prophets and messiahs don’t offer the salvation we receive in Christ. And we must not let trouble in the world or in our lives make us miss the love, comfort and strength God offers when we need it most. We must take care not to overlook God’s daily blessings, or miss an opportunity to be a blessing to someone else.

There’s no point in our worrying about events we can’t control or (often) understand. Instead, we can be confident of God’s presence in our lives, and that confidence can reassure us and free our hearts and minds to focus on fulfilling his purpose for each of us.

Discussion Questions

• Who or what might be deceiving Christians today?
• How can you avoid being deceived?
• Martin Luther is often quoted as saying, “If I knew the world would end tomorrow, I would plant a tree.” It’s not clear he actually said this, but how does this sentiment address today’s scripture?
• If you knew the world would end tomorrow, what would you do?

Activity Suggestions

Grab a newspaper or go online and find news that matches the description in v. 8. Work together to make a list of TEN items.

Next, look for news of responses to these events that are consistent with your faith. Together, make a list of NINE.

Finally, discuss as a group a possible 10^th item for the second list. How can you faithfully respond to the world around you?

Discuss, make plans and take action.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for your constant comforting, guiding presence. Remind us, when we are distracted, of the salvation we are assured through the sacrifice of your son. Strengthen us, and help us to support each other. And bless us to shine your light wherever we go. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Issue 43 of Administration Matters

​‘Stories of Faith in Action’ is now available
“Stories of Faith in Action” is a free, annual publication that highlights how God is changing lives through Mission Support, the percentage of your congregational offering that is shared with your synod and the churchwide organization. Free copies of “Stories of Faith in Action” are now available for order—all you have to cover is shipping. You can also download associated resources, including a “How to use” guide and bulletin inserts. >More

Organizing and administering congregational annual meetings
As congregational annual meetings approach, perhaps you are wondering how you can run a great meeting that is engaging for participants, productive for your congregation and a great investment of everyone’s time. >More

New ACA reporting requirement takes effect in 2016
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), when individuals file their 2015 income tax return, they must prove for the first time that they’ve maintained minimum essential health coverage throughout the year—or face a financial penalty (unless Medicare is their primary coverage). ELCA-Primary health coverage qualifies as minimum essential coverage, and Portico is managing this reporting requirement on behalf of plan members. Note: Additional ACA reporting requirements will apply to Applicable Large Employers (ALEs), generally organizations that have, on average, at least 50 full-time equivalent employees. >More
CapinCrouse LLP is the internal audit provider for the ELCA churchwide organization. You may want to read their related article: “Reporting Health Plan Coverage to Employees & the IRS.” >More

ELCA Federal Credit Union update
The ELCA Federal Credit Union is on track for opening its doors in 2016. As a financial institution rooted in your faith community, we look forward to serving you. Stay up-to-date on our progress. Visit our early-stage website at www.elcafcu.org and register to be notified as we prepare to open for business in 2016. >More

Weather protection for your ministry
Don’t be caught unprepared! When it comes to weather, are your church building and vehicles ready for whatever the next winter might bring? >More

In-kind donations
An in-kind gift consists of goods or services that are provided by the donor. Congregations can benefit greatly from such donations. >More

Winter checklist
Protecting your church property during the coldest months of the year is important, whether your climate is extreme or mild. Use this checklist to inspect, evaluate and move forward with needed maintenance. >More

Chris Heavner, Clemson, SC

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Warm-up Question

• Doesn’t it make you want to scream, every time someone points out horrible behavior among “Christians”?  What are the most telling criticisms you hear?
• Don’t you want to jerk a knot in the neck of a fellow member of the Church who gives those critics more evidence for their condemnations?  What are some examples?

Loving the Life of a Servant

One of the images which dominated the visit of Pope Francis to the U.S. was his climbing in and out of the back seat of that little black car.  If you didn’t happen to see it, here is one of thousands of links – NPR: The Pope and His Car.  Most international dignitaries ride in larger vehicles.  These cars are more easily equipped by security guards with bullet proof glass.  Such cars also allow for aides to brief the dignitary on their next encounter.  But, Pope Francis decided to ride in a little car.

Some thought he was thumbing his nose at the hosts who wanted to treat him with honor.  Some accused him of making a show.  But he kept getting in that little car and riding around town.  There were times when the car got as much press coverage as what Francis said—which was okay, because that little car was another way he expressed his message.

“The Church is to serve.” Pope Francis said.  He reminded us that Jesus calls us to be the servant of others and to be the one who goes out of our way in order to meet the needs of those so easily forgotten or overlooked.

A true mark of knowing Jesus and following Jesus is not being tempted by the bigger stage or the brighter lights.  Surely, this Pope taught us something about the good news of Jesus.

Discussion Questions

• Did you think the Pope was just making a show by riding around in that little car?
• If you were to be selected as an important leader, how would you respond to the temptation to be given the biggest and best of everything?  What would be the greatest temptation for you personally?
• To most of God’s children, you do have some big and impressive things.  How might some of these interfere with the ability of folks to see you as a servant of God?

Lectionary 32/ Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

1 Kings 17:8-16

Hebrews 9:24-28

Mark 12:38-44

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year B at Lectionary Readings

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

These are two separate vignettes.  What joins them is the mention of “widows.”  In the first, these vulnerable members of God’s family are taken advantage of.  In the second, one of them is a model of faith.  Jesus’ words regarding the scribes and his observations of a widow may not have occurred on the same day.  They are retold together as the conclusion to Jesus’ public ministry.

These verses are the end of Chapter 12.  Chapter 13 is a discourse on the final things.  The remaining chapters are all about the Passion and Death of Jesus.  So, Mark 12:38-44 is the final act/comment of Jesus’ public ministry.  Is it at the end because everything of importance has been said?  Or is this final instruction something we particularly need to remember?

One more thought to keep in mind is whether Mark 12:37b belongs with what went before or if it should be an introduction to today’s appointed verses.  (Remember that the numbering of chapters and verses was added much later in the printing and reprinting of our scriptures.)  Mark 12:37b reads “The large crowd heard Jesus gladly.”  The crowds loved what he was saying; maybe those who considered themselves higher and mightier than others did not.

The “scribes” or “teachers of the Law” would be akin to lawyers and judges in our day.  They didn’t make the Law, but they were charged with interpreting it.  This is why Jesus argues with them so much; he  claimed to be above the Law  (Mark 3:4ff, 12:14ff).  In this vignette, they display characteristics of a rich and snobby upper class.  One could read in these verses that the scribes had profited (inappropriately) from their service to the community. Might they have gained the admiration of wealthy widows so as to lay claim to some of the widow’s possessions?  (Think televangelists with jets and mansions; some things never change)

Remember that Jesus had told his followers not to seek honor (Mark 9:33) and to accept the hospitality of the first who offered rather than shopping around for a better home in which to stay (Mark 6:8-10).

The Scribes were attracted to social trappings and fancy things.  In today’s readings, this is contrasted with the individual widow.  She seeks to serve; hers is an act of sacrifice.   It is also the kind of action which no one notices.  Jesus noticed – Jesus always notices – but he has to tell the disciples what had happened.

Be careful not to make too much of these copper coins being the last in this woman’s pocket.  The words of Jesus are intended to ask us where we place our trust rather than to describe the actual state of affairs.

Discussion Questions

• “Long robes” were the symbol sought by the scribes in Jesus’ sermon.  What are the symbols of wealth and power that dominate our culture?
• An old song reminded us, “O Lord, it’s hard to be humble.”  What are the marks of true humility?
• What does Jesus’ words say to our “having a new iPhone every year” culture?
• Do you think it was okay for the poor widow to put her last coins in the treasury?  Was she being irresponsible? Might she have been excused from the Temple tax?  (It is often true that those with less give more.  Low income congregations have more who tithe than affluent congregations.)

Activity Suggestions

• Invite five persons into a conversation about power and influence.  Find out the ways in which they discern how powerful a person is.  Is it by their clothing, job title, respect others extend to them, or something else.  Ask whether the persons named use their power for self-advancement or whether they use it to enhance the common good.
• Actively explore what stands in the way of your offering to God all that you have.  What possession are you most proud of or dependent upon?  Are there “things” which stand between you and Jesus?

Closing Prayer

Humble Jesus, you made it clear that places of honor are not the thing to be most valued.  Help us to value our inclusion in your family and to forsake the false symbols of importance.  Keep our eyes focused on those who do your will and help us to see the beauty of a life lived in your service.  Amen.