19-Oct-25 (Luke 18:1-8)

The world of the unjust judge doesn't seem that distant from us. We can easily see places where it looks like those whose task would be to bring justice neither fear God, nor respect people. It sometimes seems as though justice, righteousness, and respect are far off, and we can empathize with people who might lose hope for God to act.
But one thing to consider is that God has chosen that people of faith will be the primary way the world will see God acting. If justice, righteousness, and respect seem far off, it is partly our responsibility to bring them closer.
Are people hungry? As Jesus once said to his disciples, "You get them something to eat."
So it is that we come to the time in this service of worship that we bring our offerings, to return to God a portion of what God has given us. By committing ourselves to share of our time and abilities, we put visible form on the hopes we and others have for God to act. By sharing our financial resources, we reach further, even to the ends of the Earth, sharing the love of God in concrete actions of love and help and reconciliation.
Let's consider how we can participate in this vital part of our service as the deacons come to take up the offering for today.

Prayer:

Please join me in a spirit of prayer.
God who reaches out, sometimes even before we sense the need, help us to be a part of your reaching out into the world in love.
Give us generous hearts that we will share of ourselves and our resources so that others will see your love in this world.
Bless these offerings as well, that they be put to good use in the vital work of your Church.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our Risen Lord, Amen.