Saturday:9^th Week of the year – B

I Reading: Tobit 12:1. 5-15.20: I am about to return to him who sent me. Give thanks to God.

Gospel: Mark 12:38-44: This poor widow has put more in than all of them.

The Warning to the Crowds and Religionists: Some Things to Guard Against, Mk 12:38-40

Jesus warns to the crowds and religionists to guard against sins, corruptions and injustice. The passage discusses six of these sins. All six have to do with pride or flaunting oneself, either by elevating oneself above others or by misusing others.

1. Dress: To draw attention (v.38)

2. Greetings and titles: To exalt man (v.38)

3. Showing self: To be seen in the market place (v.38)

4. Front seats and high places: to be seen, admired, and honoured (v.39)

5. Devouring widows: to use widow for gain (v.40)

6. Long prayers: to show piety (v.40)

Thought: People exalt one another with titles: Reverend, Doctor, Director, Executive, Chairman, President, Prime Minister, Governor, etc.-all to elevate one above the masses bellow (Mt.23:12). All are our responsibilities must be based on humility, service and total commitment to establish God’s kingdom on this earth.

The Widow’s Offerings: Real Giving, Mk 12:41-44

This is a touching story with a powerful message often ignored. This passage shows how God’s heart reaches out to those in need reaches out in tenderness and compassion and love. It also shows how much devotion and commitment and boldness meant to Him. This shows how deeply God is moved by those who give all they are and have to Him (contrast the Rich Young Ruler, Mk 10:17-22). Finally the lesson is what real giving is.

1. Jesus observed some people giving (v.41-42)

a. Saw the wealthy give much

b. Saw a widow give little

2. Real giving is sacrificial giving  (v.42)

3. Real giving is measured by how much a person has left-not by how much a person gives (v.43)

4. Real giving seeks to have a need met (v.44)

5. Real giving is giving all a person has

Thought: We lack devotion and dedication in our commitment to God, whether commitment of life, time, gifts, or money.

We lack boldness in giving and using what we have for God and needy people.

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