Give of Your True Capacity
Ron Harmon, Council of Twelve Apostles
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. 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.” -Mark 12:41-44
I was tired after a long trip “across the pond” as my friends from the United Kingdom say. This trip was on the back end of a long stint of travel, and I was not feeling much like social interaction.
As I entered the home of my host family, I received a genuine and heartfelt welcome. It was the kind of welcome you receive from friends you have known your whole life, only this was my first time in their home. After showing me to my room, they invited me to dinner. They knew I was vegan and had researched and prepared a special meal. I could eat everything served, including dessert!
We sat down together, had prayer, and began to engage in the centuries-old practice of sharing around a meal together. We shared about the substance of our lives-our families, hopes, concerns, and our faith journeys. As the meal progressed I was overcome by the impress of the Spirit affirming the sacramental nature of our experience.
In this simple experience of hospitality, prayer, a meal, and meaningful conversation, I experienced a wholeness of being. My physical and spiritual needs were lovingly met, and my weariness was transformed into deep gratitude for the experience.
In today’s scripture, Jesus reminds us that it is not the actual gift but the spirit in which that gift is offered that is significant. In The Message this passage ends with “she gave her all.” Doctrine and Covenants 163:2 challenges us to “generously share the invitation, ministries, and sacraments” that bear witness to the extravagant invitation, hospitality, and healing of Christ in community.
The basic elements are simple-a meal, prayer, and meaningful conversation. The difference is how we offer these simple elements to create an experience that provides nourishment for body and soul.
Prayer Phrase
“Over the years we melt into what we seek” (Joan Chittister, The Liturgical Year).
Spiritual Practice
We are in the threshold between seasons in the Christian calendar. You may have been noticing the physical transitions of the seasons wherever you live as some enter the depths of winter and others the warmth of summer. The seasons are a visible reminder that even among the most predictable rhythms and routines of our lives, change is always happening. The events of our moments, days, weeks, years form us and transform us over time. We enter each season different from when we arrived here last. This is the nature of this cyclical journey of faith. In these final days of the Christian calendar and the season of Ordinary time, there is opportunity to take a sacred pause, to notice how you arrive in this threshold. What have you been formed by this year? What has been deepening you as you’ve lived through another cycle of this life of faith?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
