Lenten Sermon Series: Look Who Gathers

“Givers at the Table”

Psalm 126

John 12:1-8

Rev. Dr. R. Tim Meadows

One of the traditions associated with WednesdayChurch! at T.V.C.C. is a time of gathering around the table. When our time at church is complete a group of us always gravitate to a local restaurant for a time of debriefing, decompression, pretzels, wings, and beer. I think almost anyone is welcome so long as they are willing to buy a round of beer. During one of those recent gatherings a regular in the group asked “so I’m not too sure about this Lent thing, aren’t we supposed to give something up”? To which Marty replied “Yeah, some people think that, or the better modern practice is to take something up”. Maybe this Lenten season as we gather at the table we need to take up the issue of giving. Our New Testament reading for the morning actually takes us to one of those events in the life of Jesus that happened around the table. A curious event of anointing that becomes a teaching vehicle for Jesus to talk about giving. What do we learn about giving from this event? How can it help us to be better givers?

We learn from Mary that giving is at its best when it is done with abandon. Her extravagance in giving reflected a profound affection for Jesus, a sense of his worth to her, and a belief that her gift was a wise investment. When was the last time you gave a gift like Mary? Who was the recipient of your lavish extravagance? Where do you have the opportunity to give of yourself in this way on a regular basis? Mary’s gift is a challenge to us all. It reminds us of the need to be in a position to give extravagantly when the opportunity arises. It challenges us to evaluate our care and use of the resources we have at our disposal and it requires us to recognize the communal responsibility of giving. If we all gave like Mary what would our world look like? How would our world be different?

If this event ended with Mary’s actions, it would be a sweet scene compelling all of us to give, but it does not. While others sit in silence around the table taking in the fragrance of Mary’s offering, Judas speaks. He suggests that his concern is for the poor but John contends he is more interested in the money the sale of this gift could have generated. We learn from Judas that not everyone in the community shares the same attitude about giving. Among those who would give extravagantly are those who would guard their personal and community resources carefully. Seeking reasons to avoid unnecessary expenditures. While they offer up good intentions for their acts of conservation, those intentions are rarely realized. The cry to conserve that comes from those represented by Judas, turns the community inward, focusing only on the manageable and the unimaginative. We learn from Judas that many understand the cost of a gift but not its value. Costs calculate only the immediate dollars and cents, while the value of some offerings can extend infinitely. We learn from Judas that intentions with no action do not change the world, as Jesus suggests the poor will always be present and need help. How often do we take Judas’ approach preferring to defer rather than to give? How often do we look with envy at the gifts of others, believing they would have been better employed in our hands? How difficult do we find it to let go and purely give when the opportunity is present?

So we have Mary and Judas both at the table with Jesus, both with strong opinions about giving. What do we learn from them that will make us better givers?

- Unselfish giving always trumps good intentions: Judas hypothesizes about what might be done for the poor, Mary acts on what she can do for Jesus, Jesus applauds action.

- Unselfish giving reflects the value the giver holds of the recipient: We give only to those things we truly value. If you find yourself at the table and not giving; ask yourself, Do I really value being here?

- Unselfish giving secures our place at the table: Mark’s gospel tells us that while Mary remains in the presence of Jesus after this event, Judas leaves abruptly and makes arrangements for the betrayal of Jesus. His discomfort with lavish giving drove him from the table.

Maybe I will go back to that WednesdayChurch! table group and tell our inquirer that Lent really is about giving up something. Giving up hands that grasp tightly to things others need. Giving up a judgmental spirit about the gifts that others give. Giving up what I have to offer, to make the world a kinder, gentler, and healthier place. As we gather at the table may God grant us the grace to give extravagantly! AMEN!