This sermon explores Jesus’ call to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbour as ourselves. It draws on the example of the widow at Zarephath, who gave from her scarcity, trusting God to provide. True devotion is trusting God’s provision rather than seeking status or personal gain. Empowered by Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, we are called to give entirely from our lives, knowing He strengthens us for the journey.
“Doth butter no parsnips” is an English idiom that means, roughly, “Empty words without action achieves nothing.” It is a 17th-century proverb, “Fine Words Butter no Parsnips”, and in this context, it is directed at the action of the Rich Scribes who give of their abundance but do nowt help the widow, who gives her all.
“nowt”… nothing, SFA, NAFT…or any modern idiom you might prefer.
New windows were installed Friday at St Peter’s by the Lake, Paynesville, Victoria, AU. Artist: Bruce Hutton, Almond Glass.
Breaking Open 