Call to prayer: Almighty God, you have given us all good things through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Grant us the gratitude to give to others what we ourselves have received from your bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark 12:38-44
In the course of his teaching Jesus said to the crowds,
“Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes
and accept greetings in the marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues,
and places of honor at banquets.
They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext recite lengthy prayers.
They will receive a very severe condemnation.”
He sat down opposite the treasury
and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury.
Many rich people put in large sums.
A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents.
Calling 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.
For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth,
but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.”
The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ
Focus: The widow giving everything she had is in sharp contrast to the rich people who gave from their surplus. The widow now has only God and God’s people to lean on.
Questions for reflection and sharing:
1. What words or phrases are most important to you in this gospel?
2. By giving from her “want” the widow shows her trust in God. How often do we let go and put our trust in God?
3. From your experience, what are some practical ways to contribute to the church besides giving money?
Concluding prayer: All loving God, strong is your justice and great is your mercy. Help us to become more aware of your loving design so that we may more willingly give our lives in service to others. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.