A HUMBLING EXPERIENCE

Read Mark 12:41-44

KEY VERSE: "For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living." (verse 44)

Last year, I was suspended for fifteen days by my company. I don't want to get to the details but it was nit something that I felt needed that long time. I was without a stable income at that time, and when I came back after my suspension I didn't have a salary for one pay period. 

Though I came back, there was bitterness in my heart. I was really ranting since I felt that there was an injustice done unto me. I was also concerned with how I will make it through the next pay period. Yes, I got help from my brothers in our former church, also from my relatives and my wife's relatives, but God really moves in a most uncertain and wonderful way. 

One of our maintenance personnel, Ate April ("ate" in our language means older sister), approached me and gave me a small amount of money (it was 500 hundred pesos). She told me not to be bitter anymore and she even apologized for the amount. She also told me that this will help me to get through next week. I broke up in tears, as this was a very humbling experience for me. She was the least of the people in the office, but she was moved by God to help those in need.

The scripture passage about the widow'd offering (verse 41-44) came to mind. As Jesus observed the people giving in the treasury she saw one widow who gave on two mites. She gave more because according to Jesus they cast in their abundance but she gave all that she have. This does not mean that Ate April gave her entire income for that day, but she gave because someone needed it. It's not the amount anymore that makes the difference, but she, being the least in the office, helped me in my time of need. The Lord compensated her by having the company give her 5,000 pesos as part of her Loyalty award to the company. 

This story just reminds us that if we are blessed then we must share our blessings to be salts and lights to a world filled with narcissistic people. The story of Ate April's generosity has moved me so much, that I will now be supporting a campus minister in spreading God's word. And, her story will be told to people of how the Lord works in ways we cannot see. 


To God be the Glory!!!




BRIAN LUCIANO
01/24/19