07-19-25

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
July 19, 2025
I just don’t understand things… a lot of things. So, I get the bill for my knee surgery, and my surgeon charged about $130,000, but the insurance company wrote off about $105,000. My kid’s car has a problem with the catalytic converter, and according to everything I can find, the cost is about $1,000 for the part and a few hours of labor, yet everyone wants to charge nearly $6,000. When I look online, it says the average cost to replace it on our make and model is about $1,700, but when I ask the different repair shops, they tell me the higher number is the going rate. I’m all for paying someone what is owed. However, it feels as if we play a lot of games… maybe a shell game where sleight of hand has you paying whatever the number is under the chosen shell. I’ll get off my soapbox except to mention a situation where Jesus referred to a widow who placed her last two coins in the temple treasury. The passage is often used as a wonderful example of sacrificial giving, and out of context, that’s what it looks like. It is a good interpretation until you read that story within the larger context. At the end of Luke 20, Jesus spoke harshly of the religious leaders who liked their fancy clothing, enjoyed special recognition, and took great pleasure in having the best seats at the banquets, yet it is these same religious leaders who “devour widows’ houses.” That’s right! The religious leaders took advantage of the widows, some of the must vulnerable in the ancient world. According to the story, one of those widows was left with only two coins, and I believe she tossed her last little bit at the people who had already taken everything else. It was a public statement, attempting to give witness to the unjust practices of the religious institution. Our insurance industry is messed-up and whatever people claim to be the free market cost is what it is, but I too often see the same manipulative games played in some religious circles. The church, as it currently stands, requires financial support. However, the manner in which it obtains this money is crucial. The HOW must reflect the essence of the message. If love is the Gospel, then love alone should be the sole tool to invite people into the church’s work. Otherwise, it might as well close its doors.

For all the amazing stewards who share their gifts, we give thanks, O Gracious God. It is your love and your love alone that inspires generosity. May guilt, shame, fear, or other manipulative practices be cast away as we serve your message of mercy, kindness, and love in all things. Amen.