One of the Sundays earlier this month had a reading from the Hebrews that began with a beautiful definition of faith
Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1
I couldn’t help but think about the concept of faith as represented in that statement as I read the gospel for today. It really struck me to think about making offerings and the value that is put on the offering as opposed to the intent of the offering regardless of value.
If one swears by the temple, it means nothing,
but if one swears by the gold of the temple, one is obligated.’
Blind fools, which is greater, the gold,
or the temple that made the gold sacred?
And you say, ‘If one swears by the altar, it means nothing,
but if one swears by the gift on the altar, one is obligated.’
You blind ones, which is greater, the gift,
or the altar that makes the gift sacred?
How do we make offerings and for what purpose? I thought about churches in the past when pews were purchased – those with the deepest pockets and riches, were sitting in the front of the church to be recognized for their grand contributions to the church and those with empty pockets were in the rear. Yet, was the faith the people in the back had any less than those in the VIP seats? Clearly, we all express our faith in different ways – my favorite jewelry worn nearly every day is my crucifix and my bracelet that was gifted to me many years ago and inscribed with verse 5 from Psalm 46: God is within her, She will not fall. I always fingered that bracelet and squeezed it a little tighter when I had a difficult meeting or situation. I always feel the comfort of not being alone to face whatever needs to be faced. What of those without such a bracelet? Does that mean that God is not within them? Of course not!!! It is a symbol that I enjoy and cherish but the most important part is the meaning not the bracelet itself. I like the reminder when I wear it yet I know even when it sits on my dresser, God is still with me.
Neither gold nor gifts bring us closer to God – our desire to love Him and embrace our roles as loved and loving children of God is the essential part of our being. I still remember my awe when I sat in the Basilica of St Peter in Rome over 50 years and the beautiful sense of presence of something very sacred.
However, it is not unlike the feeling I get at St. John’s on Creighton’s campus particularly on an afternoon with the sun coming through the stained glass and no one else is in the church or the simple chapel in Santiago on the ILAC campus. God is with us in the gold and splendor and in the simplistic. The “altar” or “temple” is not necessarily a physical place rather a sacred place where we find God – it can be anywhere and IS everywhere!
Nancy Shirley
I returned to Creighton in December 2003 having previously taught at Creighton from 1980-1989 and involved in many campus activities including ILAC and CEC House. Since returning, assumed Faculty and Administrative roles on both Omaha and Phoenix campus prior to retirement August 2022. Served as the Nursing Director for ILAC from 2013 – 2021 and as a reservist in the Army Nurse Corps for 23 years.
I am a grateful child of God, wife, mother, nana, and retired nursing professor. My husband and I met at church and have walked this extraordinary journey together experiencing CEC in 2004 and growing more committed to our beliefs. In addition to my husband, I am blessed with a wonderful daughter and son, who in turn are blessed with wonderful partners. My son’s four children bring us all endless joy and delight. My daughter’s daughter (our youngest grandchild in Phoenix) has been a true gift beyond description. In early 2023, I became a Great-grandma!! I am now retired faculty at Creighton having taught nursing here from 1980-1989 and returned “home” in 2003 to teach nursing at all levels and to administer the undergraduate program on both campuses until 2022. My mantra has been My life is God’s gift to me; what I do with my life is my gift to God!!
Now in retirement, I appreciate more and more all the ways that I find God in my life especially through my family and garden and through music and song. I find listening to Christian music daily in the car keeps the right message in my head. It is, indeed, a blessing to be part of this ministry. Writing reflections is an opportunity to ponder the readings deeply in my heart and to share those musings and some music that further touches my soul. I am a recipient of God’s grace with each one I write.
