Flour & Oil
Brothers & Sisters,
This series, Confessions of a Control Freak, seems to be striking a nerve! The laughter during the homilies speaks to me, confirming my impressions, and allows me to open up and share with you. As noted, many of us can be too controlling over some aspect of our lives, or we know someone who is. The desire for control is natural, although it is good to be reminded that not all natural things are good. Snake venom, poison ivy, and tornadoes are all natural. By natural, I mean a part of our innate tendencies, although not necessarily good. Fall and restored we are in need of God’s supernatural grace!
Our theme this week centers on resources and the beautiful accounts of two widows, one from Zarephath (1K 17), and the other at the Temple Treasury (Mk 12). The Lord God shows a new way to be with limited resources through the example of the widows, all the while inviting us to grow following these examples of faith and trust.
Regarding resources, I definitely inherited my sense of money and frugality from my mostly Scottish grandfather, Alfred Wilson. He could reliably tell you where to find the cheapest gas in the area, and which were the best deals from the supermarket circular. He was the “boring” Grandpa who bought the grandkids bonds for Christmas and birthdays to encourage us to save! Growing up in our household, things were typically tight. Although we never went hungry or felt the cold, we did feel the pinch. This combination of genetics and family dynamics has made me especially sensitive to not having enough. It is an area of control for me and one in which God has really helped me to grow. Over time, I have learned to trust in His promises and to first give away the Biblical tithe of ten percent. This took some getting used to, but growing in giving came with growth in faith and trust in God.
Both accounts of the widows suggest that they have made offerings above and beyond the tithe (or tenth). Jesus describes two small coins as “her whole livelihood.” What might seem like a small gift for one may in fact be a generous offering for another. And what may seem generous may only be a gift from surplus wealth. We cannot know the exact particular situation, but God sees what is true and honors sacrifice made from the heart. The Scriptures do not look fondly on greedy accumulation, although in the Old Testament wealth was a sign of God’s blessings (Abraham & Job) and poverty the opposite. Jesus cuts through that dichotomy with his teaching. Think of the man with the barns! (see Lk 12).
Following the examples of the widows, how might you grow in your giving back to God? Next week is our annual Stewardship Sunday. We will be sharing some of the wins your giving makes possible and asking you to pray over and prioritize your gift for 2025. Please take a commitment card home and consider your offering. If you are able, please grow in your giving. Calculate where you stand against the tithe (10%) so that you see your gift as a percentage of your income. And support our mission. Thank you in advance! Giving in your place of worship is an act of worship. Your gift is what makes our parish possible.
Whenever I am feeling tight with resources or even with time, the psalmist’s question: “How shall I make a return to the Lord for all his goodness to me?” (Ps 116) beckons me to take another step. “The hand of the Lord feeds us; He answers all our needs” (Ps 145) is a good reminder of God’s fidelity and invitation to respond with generosity.
Thankful for your generosity!
Fr. Joel
