A Poem a Sunday

Proper 27B/Ordinary 32B/Pentecost 25
November 11, 2018

St. Mark 12:38-44 - NRSV

Jesus Denounces the Scribes

38 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, 39 and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! 40 They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

The Widow’s Offering

41 He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. 43 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. 44 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.”

A Poem a Sunday

Pentecost 25 – B

Three coins in the offering

each one seeking to be blessed.

Placed by three pious people.

Which one will find happiness?

Cain gives up an offering.

Abel also does the same.

But only one gets the blessing.

Why?  We wonder and complain.

Abraham gives an offering

Isaac is the one who is spared.

But Hagar and Ishmael are sent

away with nothing but a prayer.

Now it happens in the Temple.

A young widow leaves a mite

and receives Divine blessing

while Pharisees think they’re right.

Three coins in the offering

each one seeking to be blessed.

Placed by three pious people.

Which one will find happiness?

Copyright 2018 @Kenn Storck

May be used with permission

kennstorck@gmail.com