And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them.”

  - Luke 21.3

But, even if I had been given what was given to others, nevertheless, I would not be silent.

  - Patrick, Confession, Irish, 5th century

We live in a culture of stars and superstars.

We are encouraged to believe that the people who matter most are the ones with all the talent, wealth, or power, the big name, the huge contract, the great batting average, the smooth moves, the glitzy smile, the big church – and so on.

Ordinary folk like you and I know our place: Ours is to admire and endorse, and not in any way to dare to aspire to greatness of our own.

We’re all just the biggest losers, so get used to it and get over it. Our culture works overtime to make sure we remember this, day in and day out.

And this is surely one of the greatest hindrances to the Church’s being the Church and making the kind of impact the Lord intends.

The quote above from Patrick comes after a section in which he is bemoaning his lack of facility in the Latin tongue. Somewhere around the turn of the 5^th century, he was kidnapped from his home in Britain and carried off by Irish raiders before he could finish his schooling, and so his grammar, well, he admits, it ain’t so good.

But note the jibe at his eloquent critics: Even if he could speak and write as well as they, he would not hesitate – as they were – to proclaim the Name of Jesus far and wide. The priests and theologians in Britain, who were trying to end his ministry, used their erudition to bedazzle their congregations, justify their comfortable lifestyles (see Gildas, The Ruin of Britain), and try to make life miserable for unlearned, unskilled men like Patrick, who dared actually to go among the lost proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom.

Ouch! What a poke in the eye! Here’s Patrick, all rustic and unschooled, barely able to write in an acceptable manner and not at all accomplished in speech, winning the whole nation of Ireland to Christ and starting one of the greatest revivals in the history of the Church, while the learned theologians in Britain are more concerned to preserve the ecclesiastical status quo. Just love them private parking places, names on the marquis out front, and all those “What a wonderful sermon, preacher!” week after week.

And here’s this poor widow, commended by Christ above all her wealthy contemporaries and theological luminaries because, though she had but a little, she gave it all to the Lord.

So what do you think? Does the Lord prefer our little given with our all? Or our many gifts and considerable abilities squandered in self-justifying comfort and a low-risk life of “faith” in Jesus?

You may not be a superstar or even think you have much to offer the Lord. Which, if so, explains why we have thus far been so little involved in proclaiming and showing Him to others. But take heart! Jesus welcomes your widow’s mite, your rustic riches, your stammering tongue, your everyday skills and routines, and He can use them in powerful ways to bring glory and honor to His Name.

So step up, friend, empty the pockets of your soul and life, and make your offering to the Lord of glory! Give what you can, every day, every moment, in every situation, with all your heart.

Then listen: You might hear Jesus, commending your faith.

Psalm 18.29, 30, 49 (I am Thine: “I am Thine, O Lord, I Have Heard Thy Voice”)
In Your strength, O Lord, I can leap a wall, I can stand against the sword.
For Your way is pure, You’re a shield to all who depend upon Your Word.
    I will thank You, thank You gracious Lord; I will lift Your Name in praise          
    Till the nations hear Your saving Word and amend their sinful ways.

Here I am, Lord, little me; use me – all I am and have – as You will.

This Week at The Fellowhip of Ailbe
We hope you'll visit the website this week and catch up on some of columns and resources available there. In The Week you'll find insights to stretch the vision, discipline, and outcomes of your Christian worldview (where else can you read William Cowper poeticizing about gout?). Our In the Gates column takes on capital punishment, war, and respect for the creation (later in the week). You can shop our online bookstore for Christmas gifts that will actually edify your loved ones. And if you're of a mind to share with us in this ministry, you can contribute at the website (on the homepage beneath the "fold") or by sending your contribution to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Dr., Essex Junction, VT 05452. Don't forget to forward Crosfigell to your friends and urge them to join you as a member of The Ailbe Community. Have a great week!

T. M. Moore, Principal
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