Denunciation of the Scribes The Poor Widow’s Contribution
Mk 12:38-44
38In the course of his
teaching [Jesus] said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in
long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, 39seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. 40They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext, recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation.”
41He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. 43Calling
his disciples to himself, he said to them, “Amen, I say to you, this
poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. 44For
they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her
poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.”
Reflection:
She, from her poverty, has contributed all.
The poor widow of the Gospel is an example of true giving. She gives
everything she has, forgetting herself and firmly believing in the
goodness and providence of God. She offers what matters most to her—her
whole livelihood. She depends on God, not on money. Her God is her
wealth.
In contrast, rich people contribute from
their surplus wealth. They share what is extra. They give what they do
not need and continue living comfortably.
When was the last time we gave our most
valuable offering or most precious possession to Jesus? When did we last
make a supreme sacrifice for Jesus? We must admit that there are parts
of our life, of our daily activities, or of ourselves that we have not
completely surrendered to Jesus. We hold back from Jesus perhaps our
time and our treasures.
Let the poor widow show us how to give
without counting the cost, to share even what we need ourselves, and to
give the best even if it hurts.
“It is possible to give without love,but it is impossible to love without giving.”
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