Good Shepherd Lutheran Church WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Introduction

Widows are visible everywhere in today’s readings. Jesus denounces those scribes who pray impressive prayers but devour widows’ houses. He commends the poor widow who in his view gave far more than the major donors. Jesus doesn’t see her simply as an object of compassion or charity. She, like the widow of Zarephath who shares her last bit of food with Elijah, does something of great importance.

Readings and Psalm

• 1 Kings 17:8-16
  God feeds Elijah and the widow at Zarephath
• Psalm 146
  The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down. (Ps. 146:8)
• Hebrews 9:24-28
  The once for all sacrifice of Christ
• Mark 12:38-44
  A widow’s generosity reveals the hypocrisy of the scribes