All We Can

Today I share with you a reading from Mark 13:41 -44:


The Widow’s Offering

41 Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. 42 Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. (NLT).


It would seem that it is the day after Jesus cleared the Temple. He has been teaching his disciples and now we find him back at the Temple watching people make their offering. The widow above all is commended by Jesus because she gave everything that she could, not just " a tiny part".

In these challenging times we can all ask ourselves what it is that we can give to help. Today sees the first day of those who answered the call for NHS volunteers being put to use, many are doing their bit in all sorts of ways. We can look at what others are doing and feel perhaps we should do more or feel a bit frustrated when we cannot.

The widow gave all that she could. She could not give what she was not in a position to give. So yes we should admire and support those who are volunteering alongside our health and care workers, they are giving and doing all they can, but perhaps for some giving all they can will mean staying at home to protect others so they can do more. Staying at home to look after children and family will be a challenge for some that will take all that they have. Maybe that telephone call or letter written will be giving all that we can. In the words attributed to John Wesley it might be worth noting that it says "do all...you can" not "do all... you wish you could or what others are doing".

One thing we can all do is pray. Through our prayers we can not only remember the cornonavirus situation, but also other concerns across the world that the news coverage seems to have forgotten.


Dear God

We thank you for all those who have 

volunteered to help in the NHS. 

May your hand of protection 

be over them as they 
help others. 

Help us to know what we can do 

to help and support others 

at this time.

We pray for our Prime Minister
Boris Johnson
and all who are caring for him.
May your hand of healing
be over them and
hands of support
under them at this time.

We also pause to hold before

you other concerns in the world

that come to mind now......

Lord hear our prayer,

Amen.