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November 4, 202132 Sunday in Ordinary Time
1 Kings 17:10-16; Psalm 146:7, 8-9, 9-10; Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44
Every week our Food Pantry welcomes guests in need to gather food and necessities. You may have seen the lines forming outside the door, and enthusiastic volunteers welcoming them, guiding them through the pantry, and bagging their items. The mood is cheerful, and a spirit of kindness fills the space. A crucifix hangs above the door. Jesus, with raised arms rising above the cross, looks over the whole process. One can almost hear his thoughts as he looks down from that cross: “God truly reigns here.”
The Reign of God, also referred to as the Kingdom of God, is what Jesus proclaimed and announced wherever he went. This is a different kind of reign or kingdom than what might first come to mind when we hear those words. It is one in which the poor, hungry, and thirsty, are blessed. It is a kingdom that starts out the size of a mustard seed, and in which expectations are flipped on their head. It is also a reign that is “at hand” or “among us.” This means it is not just where we go when we die. It is something we are part of NOW. We are called to bring God’s reign to our world.
A critical theme across the Bible, from Old Testament to New, is that in order to be considered God’s community, God’s people on earth, we must care for the widow, the orphan, and the stranger or resident alien. God is quite protective of those who fall into these categories, and God’s people have a special obligation to these groups. In other words, the measure of our Covenant faithfulness hinges on how we care for the vulnerable. In 1 Kings, Elijah encounters a widow who is preparing a last meal before she and her son die of starvation. She is resigned to death. There is no food for her...and hope seems just as scarce. Elijah intervenes and performs a miracle inviting the woman to “...not be afraid.” God has broken into the hopelessness of this woman’s life to bring her, not only food, but new life.
In the Gospel, Jesus echoes the Old Testament’s special concern for the widow by chastising the religious leaders who are doing nothing less than stealing from widows and living lives of extravagance and show. The Old Testament and New Testament are in complete agreement here: the vulnerable are of special concern, and God’s Reign and our identity as people of God very much depend on how we care for them. We are, after all, God’s hands and feet.
So next time you volunteer at the food pantry (if you, haven’t I highly recommend it!), look at that crucifix as a reminder: we are participating in bringing God’s Reign on earth whenever our parish family cares for the most vulnerable. The reign of selfishness, pride, self-inflation, insecurity, and fear give way to God’s Reign each time we reach out for a real encounter with someone who is vulnerable (that’s what Jesus did all the time!).
How can you reach out with open arms in this month of gratitude and sharing?
Picture what the world would look like according to the Reign of God. What would be different?
Who are the vulnerable and marginalized in Libertyville?
