The Gospel of Mark 12:38-44
As Jesus taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
He sat down opposite the treasury and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you; this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
Let us Pray: Jesus, guide us to give with a pure and generous spirit. Whether our offering is small or large, may it come from a place of love and selflessness. Teach us to trust in your provision and to be a blessing to those in need. So, open our eyes to the needs of the vulnerable and oppressed. Help us to act justly and love mercy, using our resources and influence to protect and support those who are less fortunate.” This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
This Gospel is a reflection of today’s world in many ways. The rich get richer at the expense of those in need and then ignoring those they are exploiting. The so-called elite flaunting their haughtiness to those who are in need. Politicians have spent billions of dollars trying to convince us they are better than their opponent. Our present age is obsessed with image, such that it becomes the most important part of our lives. The image becomes the most important thing for our leaders. And then we have the widow who ignores all those supposedly fame gatherers and donates her proverbial last penny. Her faith will keep her safe and in Jesus’s protective arms.
In this passage, Jesus warns against the scribes (today that could be the politicians, lawyers and some religious leaders), criticizing their desire for attention and respect while exploiting the vulnerable. He contrasts their behavior with that of a poor widow who gives all she has to the temple treasury. Jesus commends her for her selfless and sacrificial giving, pointing out that her small offering is worth more than the larger sums given by the wealthy, because she gave out of her poverty and with a sincere heart.
We are now challenged to reflect on our motives and the true nature of generosity. It highlights the importance of humility and sincerity in our acts of giving, reminding us that it’s not the amount we give, but the spirit in which we give that matters most to God. When we give, we should give with our very being, because what else do any of us really have to give?
In today’s gospel reading, Jesus continues to challenge the religious authorities in their wrong beliefs. This time, it is the scribes who Jesus points out only pay lip service to their religious beliefs. Jesus presents the scribes/ lawyers as all about themselves (we have seen that many times in the last few months in the political campaigns). They want to be seen. They want to be congratulated. They want to be well-thought of. They want people to say good things about them in their faces AND behind their backs.
This Gospel of Mark isn’t difficult. It’s about the kind of faith that we are supposed to have, the kind of faith that the widow had. The faith of Jesus Christ isn’t a self-centered faith. It’s a faith that needs to be shared, a faith which is sacrificial, a faith which bears the cross. In short, the faith of Jesus Christ isn’t about us. It’s not about me. It’s not about you. It’s about what we give to God. And it’s about the amazing riches that God gives in return.
Let us Pray: We pray that you accept us as people who pattern our lives after Our Lord Jesus, people who do not hold back when we are able to give of our time, talent, and treasure. And people who give of their time to help those who are in need of a helping hand and listening ear. This we pray in your Name our Lord and savior. Amen
Reflections by Bob 