Reflections...

A sermon preached at Kowloon Union Church on 10 November 2024, by Rev. Phyllis Wong. The scripture readings that day were 1 Kings 17:8-16; Mark 12:38-44

Sermon – Abundance out of scarcity    

          

Today, our scripture readings from the Revised Common Lectionary focus on widows as the main characters.

 

The widows in these biblical stories remind me of a church member’s mother—Mrs. Heung. Her husband passed away when she was pregnant with their daughter, over half a century ago in the 1960s. At that time, many families in Hong Kong faced poverty, and Mrs. Heung was among them, caring for four young children.

 

Living in a poor squatter area, one day she heard children crying next door. When she went out to investigate, she found a few hungry children. Out of compassion, she gave their mother some rice from her limited supply, despite not knowing if she would have enough for her own children the next day. She acted out of love, not familial obligation. Although these children were not her own, it’s her kindness within compelled her to make provision for those children from her own poverty. 

 

Mrs. Heung was a faithful Christian. Her act of loving kindness exemplified how God's provision can flow from those who seem to have very little. 

 

From the scripture of 1 Kings read by Horace this morning, we heard about the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath. When Elijah asked the widow for food, she, too, was impoverished. She was actually expecting to prepare a final meal for her son before they died to starvation. Yet, God used her scarcity, not only to provide food for Elijah, a man sent by God in need of food, but to actualize God’s promise of  His abundant provision. 

 

Both Mrs. Heung and the widow of Zarephath were open to being used by God, despite their dire circumstances.

 

On the other hand, we see how God used ordinary people and poor people like the widows to participate in his acts of miracle and salvation to reveal his divine provision and glory. 

 

Dear friends, do we sometimes feel we cannot give to others because we lack resources? Do we find ourselves saying, “Sorry, God, I cannot spare time for You or others because I am too busy”? Or perhaps, “I cannot donate to help others because I have no work, my salary is too low, or I have too many expenses”?

 

The widow of Zarephath inspires us to see abundance within scarcity. Abundance emerges when we prioritize faith over fear.

 

Initially, the widow voiced her concerns about her inability to provide for Elijah. But Elijah reassured her: “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me” (1 Kings 17:13).

 

Despite her fear, she chose to act in faith. She followed Elijah's instructions, unsure of what would follow. I often wonder if I could exhibit such faith—how about you?

 

Similarly, Mrs. Heung acted out of compassion, without knowing how she would provide for her own family the next day. Her heart was pure.

 

These widows displayed extraordinary courage and generosity. By blessing others, they themselves were blessed. The widow of Zarephath received supply of oil non-stop, her jar of meal was no longer emptied. She and her household starved no more! 

Mrs. Heung raised her children well, fostering very loving relationships with them.

 

The widow of Zarephath manifests the miracle of  abundance from Scarcity

 

I recall an experience during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. At the beginning, people scrambled for face masks, and prices skyrocketed. Many people especially the grassroot could not get one because of limited supply and the high price. I had a few masks at home, but not enough for the days ahead. When I decided to give away my remaining masks, a friend whom I hadn't spoken to in a while called and offered me a box of masks—50 in total. It’s more than I expected. Gratefully, I received them and was happy to share with others. 

 

The church and I continued to receive masks, hand sanitizers, and other supplies, which we were able to distribute to those in need, including domestic workers, street cleaners and disabled people. I experienced a miracle of divine provision and learned what it means to find abundance in scarcity. When we overcome our fears of shortage and respond to needs, God's provision appears.

 

As a church, we engage in God's Kingdom by sharing generously. We give not just because we have excess, but because we are abundant in love. 

 

The Gospel story from Mark about the poor widow offers another profound lesson. Jesus observed the rich contributing large sums to the offering box, while a poor widow put in just two small coins. He highlighted that her offering was greater than all the others because she gave everything she had to live on. Jesus values the heart behind our giving.

 

The widow's gift illustrates spiritual abundance. Her love for God and her community shone through her generosity.

 

This echoes my experiences in peacemaking ministry, particularly with asylum seekers and refugees. During home visits, they welcomed us with warm hospitality. Some prepared snacks while some other might prepared big meals despite their limited resources. Often, we would sit on their beds, converted into dining tables. Their joy and generosity in sharing, even in scarcity, left a profound impact on me. In our sharing in their very tiny sub-divided flat, we were like in God’s Kingdom enjoying the heavenly banquet together.   

 

Last week, Pastor Maggie spoke about loving God by practicing the greatest commandment—to love our Lord with all our mind, heart, soul, and strength, and to love our neighbors. Loving God is never abstract; it manifests in our love for others.

 

Where there is love, there is God (1 John 4:19). Every person bears the image of God. When we respect and love others, we are loving God.

 

Jesus exemplified straightforward love—placing another’s needs above His own. In the gospel account from Mark today,  Jesus critiqued the hypocrisy of religious leaders. He criticised  the religious leaders’ exploitation on the widows by taking away their houses. 

 

Jesus’s teachings remind us to be mindful of the world resources and use them wisely and justly, especially in today’s world where wealth disparity is growing. 

 

Oxfam Hong Kong’s recent report on poverty 2024 indicated: the wealth gap problem in Hong Kong is worsening. 20 % of the population is living in poverty. Our government and the community as a whole, including the church must be critical to examine the structural cause of poverty, and strive for a more just and equitable society. One of the examples is to formulate a good minimum wage policy.

 

As a church, we prioritize the poor, the weak, and the marginalized. While we raise funds for our ministries and maintenance of the church building, we must remember to use our resources wisely and compassionately.

 

We need not fear resource shortages, for we trust in God’s provision from scarcity. God’s divine abundance reveal from our scarcity. 

 

Let us be a church of abundance in love, committed to justice and peace.

 

May the word of God strengthen and empower us. Amen!