Proper 27B - 2024

Sermon for Proper 27, Year B
The Rev. Andrew McLarty
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

"Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being."

These words from Psalm 146 remind us that our very existence is meant to be an offering of praise. But what does that look like in practice? How do we, as faithful people, live out this call to worship not just with our lips but with our lives?

In today’s Gospel, the poor widow who gives her last two coins to the temple treasury. Jesus says, *

"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."*

At first glance, this seems like a beautiful statement of faith—a model of radical sacrifice. But let’s be honest: it also makes us uncomfortable. Should someone really give everything? Isn’t that irresponsible?

Jesus isn’t telling us to bankrupt ourselves. True sacrifice isn’t about self-destruction—it’s about making our offerings holy, set apart for God’s purposes. The widow’s gift is remarkable not because she’s left with nothing, but because she trusts God completely. She gives not from excess, but from her very being.

Yet, we must also ask: Why was she in such poverty to begin with? The temple system should have cared for her, not taken her last penny. Jesus condemns systems that exploit the vulnerable. So, while we admire her faith, we must also work to ensure no one is forced to choose between survival and devotion.

Here at St. Paul’s, we take this seriously. We elect a vestry and appoint trustees to steward our resources wisely. We strive to use our time, talents, and treasures for the wider community.

• We run a tight ship.
• We don’t build grandiose campuses to entertain the masses.
• We are caretakers of this sacred space, offering a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to God.
• We help those in need—paying our bills first, then sharing the abundance.

This is good stewardship. We don’t want to burden people beyond their means, but we do challenge one another to give from the heart—not just from what’s left over.

The widow’s story isn’t just about money—it’s about trust. Do we believe God will provide? Are we willing to give before we feel secure?

This week, let’s ask ourselves:

• Where am I holding back out of fear?
• How can I offer God not just my excess, but my very self?

For in the end, the greatest offering we can make is a life lived in praise.

Amen.