Will preachers use the gospel lesson this morning from the Common Lectionary? Passages about money often show up in the fall during budget building season and the campaign for pledges in the coming year. Some of that is in Mark 12:38-44, but there's this searing passage (vs. 40) in reference to men of power and wealth who love pomposity and privilege. "And all the time they are exploiting the weak and helpless. The longer their prayers, the worse they get." (The Message) Or this version from the revered NIV, "They devour widows' houses and for a show made lengthy prayers." Careful, these are not the words of an Old Testament prophet given to passions and hearing voices, but Jesus.

Fascinating that this warning to his followers not to be like those kinds of people is followed by an observation about the generosity of a poor widow. I have known many poor widows in my life who were so generous, kind, gracious, strong, good, and faithful women. They will not disappear, nor will they retreat to the shadows. They have shed many a tear. And still, they will show up and give all they have.

This photo is from Liberia, 2008. I do wonder what she has become. Friends who have mixed-race granddaughters told me that the little girls cried Wednesday.