Ord. Wk 32nd November 11, 2018

Reflection on the WORD

Loving God: In today’s Gospel, Jesus observed that the poor widow’s offering of her two small coins, all that she possessed.  In contrast, the rich offered their loose change.  Do we give God our leftover money and time?  What is the depth and quality of our love for God?

Mk 12:38-44

In his teaching Jesus said, ‘Beware of the scribes who like to walk about in long robes, to be greeted respectfully in the market squares, to take the front seats in the synagogues and the places of honour at banquets; these are the men who devour the property of widows and for show offer long prayers. The more severe will be the sentence they receive.’

Jesus sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the treasury, and many of the rich put in a great deal. 

      A poor widow came and put in two small coins, the equivalent of a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘In truth I tell you, this poor widow has put more in than all who have contributed to the treasury; for they have all put in money they could spare, but she in her poverty has put in everything she possessed, all she had to live on.’

Today's Pointers on God's Word

As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?

  • Jesus draws the disciples’ attention to the widow’s overwhelming generosity expressed through giving everything she has to God without any reservation. She must have great love and trust in God.  
  • When God is our first and foremost love, our life would inevitably reveal this truth; we will be detached from our possessions, and would use our time and share our blessings with others without reservation.
  • However, even as we are not perfect and not totally selfless in our love for God, what matters is our sincerity of heart in our love for Him.  How much do you truly try to love God daily?  Is this evident in your generosity?