Worn Corners B-sides
“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.’” Mark 12:41-43
He savored the words of that liturgy. Even as he neared death his wife whispered them into his ear at day’s end. Those worn corners captured the faith of a man who did not attain fame or wealth but who did remind himself every single day of who and whose he was. They were signs not of some vain piety but rather of a life lived for God and for others.
Dig deeper
Reflect
1. When have you felt as if you’ve given all you had to something or someone only to have things turn out differently than you had hoped?
2. Is there an area of your life where you are holding back from “giving it all you have” because you’re less than hopeful about the outcome or result? What area is it? What would it take for you to open up to trying with all you have?
3. When have you felt as if you are climbing Mt. Fujji - you are almost there - only to turn a corner and realize you’ve got a long way to go? How did you find the resilience to continue the journey?
God. We acknowledge that at times we move toward you with tentative steps.
We are uncertain that you are there, prepared to meet us, and to fulfill our longing for an encounter that will last beyond the setting of this day's sun, to stretch into tomorrow, and the day after, forever and ever.
So, take our hesitant lean into the hope of your future kingdom, and pull us along into a destiny that is different from what we can witness with our limited vision today.
May our worship be more than the sum of its parts. Through it, may you be known as ample space is made for your spirit to move freely in the hearts, in the minds, in the souls of the faithful who forever sing to the glory of your name.
