Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent

22 March 2012

Our story today is about the Widow's Kindness.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in 2 Kings 4.

"Now a certain woman, from the wives of the prophets, cried out to Elisha, saying: “My husband, your servant, is dead. And you know that your servant was one who fears the Lord. And behold, a creditor has arrived, so that he may take away my two sons to serve him.” And Elisha said to her: “What do you want me to do for you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?” And she responded, “I, your handmaid, do not have anything in my house, except a little oil, with which I may be anointed.” And he said to her: “Go, ask to borrow from all your neighbors empty vessels, more than a few. And enter and close your door. And when you are inside with your sons, pour from the oil into all those vessels. And when they are full, take them away.”  And so, the woman went and closed the door upon herself and her sons. They were bringing her the vessels, and she was pouring into them. And when the vessels had been filled, she said to her son, “Bring me another a vessel.” And he responded, “I have none.” And there was oil remaining. Then she went and told the man of God. And he said: “Go, sell the oil, and repay your creditor. Then you and your sons may live on what remains.”


Readings for the Day:
     Exodus 32:7-14
     Psalm 106:19-23
     John 5:31-47

Collect for the Day:
"We invoke your mercy in humble prayer, O Lord, that you may cause us, your servants, corrected by penance and schooled by good works, to persevere sincerely in your commands and come safely to the paschal festivities. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."