Change of Task but not of Mission

Today the Roman Catholic Lectionary offers some apparently diverse themes. Jesus points out the paradox of the greater gift given by the widow and the hypocrisy of the Scribes and Pharisees in the text from mark’s Gospel. Paul addresses Timothy with advice to persevere in the actions of the ministry. He relates his understanding that he is approaching the end of the race, though it is not a retirement from the mission but a sense that most of his work is behind him. The psalmist echoes these sentiments of the person who is perhaps expected and maybe expects himself to retire to leave the scene. The disciple only leaves when the Lord calls him home. The details of the service may change but the indwelling Spirit remains connected to the continuous love and mission.