She Gave From Her Poverty

 

 Mark 12: 38-44

Warning Against the Teachers of the Law

³⁸ As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, ³⁹ and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. ⁴⁰ They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”

The Widow’s Offering

⁴¹ Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. ⁴² But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

⁴³ Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. ⁴⁴ They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

In today's Gospel Reading, Jesus warns us of false teachers and praises the sacrifice made by the poor widow. Both have something to say to us.  How easy it is to fall into complacency, even pride) about our religious practice:  "I go to Church on Sunday,  I give generously to the collection, I greet everyone and they greet me. The honor me and respect me.  What else is there?" Jesus intimates that there is much more, and uses the poor widow and her measly offering as an example.  She gave from the heart, she gave from the bottom drawer of her possessions...Where do I stand as I look at myself in the reflection of the prideful and the humble?]

Bro. Rene