In 1965, Frank Herbert wrote a classic novel of Science Fiction, ‘Dune’. Herbert was inspired by the work of ecologists in Oregon. A new film interpretation of ‘Dune’ made by Denis Villeneuve has been hailed by critics and fans alike, remaining true to the message of the book concerning power struggles based not upon ideologies, or the politics of left and right – but on essential commodities such as water and energy. I loved reading Dune in the late 1970’s and early 80’s, little did I know how much its message would resonate ever more strongly almost fifty years later. The dedication made by Frank Herbert at the beginning of the book is still profound: “To the people whose labours go beyond ideas into the realm of ‘real materials’ – to the dry-land ecologists, wherever they may be, in whatever time they work, this effort at prediction is dedicated in humility and admiration.“

Next month the UN Climate Change Conference will convene from 30th November to 12th December in Dubai. It will comprise the 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 28). Continuing targets comprise of emissions reduction targets that align with reaching zero emissions by the middle of this century. And protecting communities and habitats vulnerable to the effects of climate change, mobilise finance to this end, and encourage new patterns of international co-operative working. These two very different, but related subjects, come to mind as I read the words in Mark’s Gospel in Chapter 12. If we step back and look at the whole of the chapter, we may notice an interesting pattern:

• It begins with the Parable of the Tenants in the Vineyard
• It continues with various verbal scuffles with the religious teachers – paying taxes to Caesar, marriage at the Resurrection, the Greatest Commandment (which we have just heard), whose Son is the Messiah.
• It ends on the Widow’s Offering, or the Widow’s Mite

Reading this chapter as a whole, the message is clear. Beginning with the Tenants in the Vineyard, it is saying that it does not matter where we come from, or what we think our rights are. And continuing with various verbal altercations – it is saying, it does not matter what we know, or what clever words and arguments we use. It is what we do that matters and reveals what we believe and value. Frank Herbert would describe this as the ‘realm of real materials’ of which, a powerful example is provided at the end of Mark’s chapter in the Widow’s Mite.

To sum up. The two Great Commandments are not the Gospel: the Gospel is the Good News that Jesus has come among us as a human being and died and risen again to defeat the power of evil and to reconcile us to God. The two Great Commandments quoted in Mark, guide us as to how we live our lives in such a way as to demonstrate our gratitude to the one who has loved us so completely. And both concern the fundamental issues of life: relationships, connectedness – with God, other people, and creation.

The most important questions we’ll ever face are these: First, have I joyfully accepted the unconditional love of God by receiving from Jesus the free gift of eternal life? Second, am I living out my gratitude for the love God by loving him with my whole heart, soul, mind and strength, and by loving my neighbour as myself? These are the only two questions that matter. Everything else is ‘commentary’, as the Rabbi Hillel once said, before Jesus was ever born. This point is underlined in Mark’s Gospel at the end of the chapter, not by some lofty words of a religious teacher, but the example with ‘real materials’, of the Widow’s Mite.

We may wonder if we have any power to change things as we hear the debates of COP 28 – but we do. Not as eloquent commentators, but instead we have the power to change small things, each day – is that not the example of the Widow’s Mite? In comparison to her, all else is commentary. Or, to quote Mother Theresa, “We cannot do great things, we can only do small things, but with Great Love.’”