Mark 12 : 38 - 44
NRSV Translation
38-40 As he taught, he said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows' houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation."
41-42 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.
43-44 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."
REFLECTIONS:
Thoughts from DJ:
My friend and mentor Kris Rocke has been challenging me the past few years to consider engaging in dialogue with those I disagree with in a new way. This new way involves asking curious and honest questions when I find myself disagreeing with the other persons perspective.
I find myself in conversation almost everyday with community members who hope we can help restore our unsheltered neighbors to “independent and self sufficient” lives. They desire to see them move out of dependance on food lines, shelters, substances and handouts. I think the intent behind this desire might be good and well meaning. However, what if having a goal of “independence and self sufficiency” is a big part of our social problem?
The widow in Jesus' story has lost her husband, economic support and social standing. She gives everything she has to her faith community in hopes that they can be present in her time of need. Her goal is not independence, but a faith filled act of interdependence. She has the wisdom to know she can never be self sufficient, she must look with hope to the broader community.
I have learned these lessons from the friends and neighbors I have meet over the years at Cascade Gateway Park. One more occasions then I could count I have seen people offer their last dollar to a friend in need, hoping they will do the same for them next time. I have seen people with no idea where their next meal will come from share their dinner with another.
When we are providing health and housing focused shelter to those who find themselves in need, the goal cannot be to “make them independent and self sufficient.” Concerning numbers of veterans across the country who have been provided scattered site apartments are dying by suicide. Isolation often leads people to hopelessness and despair.
Many times if we have ‘eyes to see’ those living in poverty around us have learned the wisdom of interdependence and community. They are often willing to give everything they have for the chance of relationship, love, acceptance and community. What about us?
PRACTICE:
Outward Mindset Application
This week, consider the impact of your behavior on at least one other person. Apologize for any negative impact you recognize.
Non-Violent Communication Question of the Week
Human behavior is almost always rooted in our attempts to meet our needs. This week, when you notice someone’s behavior that annoys or challenges you, how can you remain curious about what they are trying to accomplish?
Pathways toward Centeredness
Sensation (Experiencing our physical senses and imagination):
The cold weather is here! Depending on your comfort, take a walk in the early morning or in the rain, or curl up next to a fire or a heater! Spend as much time as you can paying attention to your body’s experience.
Does your attention lead you to notice anything new or deeper about being human?
Questions for Reflection
What are the various spaces you experience interdependence with people around you? What are pathways you can help sustain for even greater interdependence in the world?
Is there anyone or any people group you wish would “do more” before you are willing to extend care, compassion, or dignity?
“Liturgy” refers to the habits and practices humans use to form community around shared values and meaning. At Church at the Park, we desire to be a community of practice, becoming people who see the world through the eyes of the marginalized, making meaning through the lens of pain and suffering, and committing ourselves to non-violence in a wounded world. This weekly email is intended to provide pathways of practice for becoming the type of people who embody these values.
Many of our reflections on each week's text come from other sources. If you're interested in reading more of what inspires us, here our our two favorite reflections.
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