Mark 12:38-44 NRSVue
38As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces 39and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! 40They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
41He sat down opposite the treasury and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. 43Then 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. 44For 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.”
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Some thoughts on this scripture
Reflection
Jesus reminds us once again how we are to treat each other. We are all sons and daughters of the Father, and so we must be aware of the dignity each of us carry within. Through baptism we have been brought into the family of God and so we are all connected through grace. No one is greater than another, no one is more important than another; we are all equal in the sight of our Father in Heaven.
Reflection
Father, thank you for the gift of one another, help us to treat one another with kindness and high regard. To love as you love is beyond us unless you are there to instil in our hearts a great love for the giftedness of each one we meet.
Reflection
Today’s Gospel is still concentrating on the question of truth, but this time about being true to who we are, rather than presenting an image of ourselves that we think makes us look good. The scribes Jesus refers to, are not honest about who they are. But the widow who puts the two small, almost worthless coins into the treasury is not ashamed to let people see her for who she is.
Reflection
Do I think too much about what others think of me? Does this influence my behaviour? Am I ashamed of who I am? I sit for a while with Jesus and honestly look at my life. I ask Jesus for light and help to keep me in the truth.