Sermon Nov. 8, 2009 Mark 12:38-42, Ruth 4

We look at three widows this morning, Ruth, Naomi, and a nameless woman. They lived a a pre-Social Security time.the law and prophets agreed that how we treated vulnerable widows was a fundamental ethical test. If one's family did not fulfill their obligations, a widow was in desperate straits. Then and now, the widowed occupy an uncertain social place. It can be a dependent social space and one that is a ready reminder of our own fears about the future. So, it is surprising to see all of them as givers of gifts of various sorts when thye were usally in a dependent situation. I don't think that Social Security absolves us of our social resposnibilities toward the widowed.

 

Gifts depend on perspective, like many things. From one angle, the widow gave a pittance. When you have a big building program, you want some big donations. From the angle of Jesus, she gave everything she had. Maybe Jesus is aware of widows, if our suspicion that Joseph died between his early teens and adulthood is correct. Gofts bind giver and receiver in new ways.A meaningful gift pours something of ourselves into the gift and shows our esteem for the receiver. Her small gift does not symbolize a small person. since it is everything she has, it is symbolic of an astounding generosity, a symbol of all she is and maybe hopes to be, in making her offering to the temple. It relies on intent. care in selection. Newly married couples have to learn about giving and receiving gifts, as they interpret different things as sign of love: price, thoughtfulness, usefulness. I think of the O. Henry Christmas story, the Gift of the Magi. The poor young wife cuts her beautiful hair to get a proper present for her young husband. The young husband tries so hard to get beautiful ornaments to hold that beautiful hair.Our gifts to the work of god create a new set of relations with the divine. For many of us, nothing comes from the heart as much as money and property.

 

Ruth and Naomi don't even have a penny to spare. They live on gleaning the field at this time of year.It would be as if they would need to subsist on what falls from trucks during all the harvesting now. They give each other loyalty, as family, even though Ruth is from Moab.  They seek a safe and secure place that Boaz can provide. They find the gift of security. Ruth has the gift of a new family, as does Naomi. She goes back to her name, joy and pleasantness. No longer is she the one of bitter tears, Marah. Then, miraculously, she receives her youth again, this female Job. The women give the child the gift of its name.

 

The widow's plight is one of emptiness in these stories, financial and emotional. they all move toward fullness. We always hear about inclusiveness. In so many ways widows are excluded in social situations.We do well to give some thought about inclusion of widows as the social swirl of the season will soon be upon us. A few disgustingly organized people probably have their Christmas shopping planned, done, and wrapped. We are moving toward the time of year when we are asked to give all sorts of gifts to good causes and for friends and family. It is easy to read the story as claiming th rich were showing off their wealth in their offerings. The rich give from their heart too and may give until it hurts sometimes. Jesus is looking at both intent and the depth of the commitment shown, not the actual amount. In the end, how we decide to spend ur time, talent, and treasure is all a prayer in action to the God of all good gifts.