Home Daily Meditation Mark 12, 38-44

Mark 12, 38-44

by Fr. Luis A. Zazano

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 12, 38-44

As he taught, he said, ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the market-places, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honour at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.’

He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then 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. For 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.’

Take care of your brother.

1) Take care of one another. I would like to approach this from three points of view:

a) Take care of one another. In this turbulent world in which we live, we must learn to take care of one another; as priests or consecrated people let’s call one another so we may feel supported. Let’s accompany each other, not tear down one another with rude comments or gossip. Rather, go visit that brother or sister who is not well, or who has been hurt. As a community, if there is someone we haven’t seen for a while in the parish church or group, let’s give them a call, or pay them a visit to find out how they are doing. We have to learn to take care of one another; to be a real community; a family.

b) Beware of the many vices that are around us, such as the desire for power or wanting to manipulate others. The vice of only looking for more money, and so many other temptations that can get attached to us… even within the Church.

c) Take care of the Church. The truth is that there are many attacks on the Church, but the curious thing is that those of us who are inside it, are often the ones who hit it the hardest; not even the Pope is spared. In this world in which we live; a world where everyone is against everyone else; unfortunately we have learned to use our sharpest weapon: the tongue.

2) The characteristics we must be careful of. Jesus asks us to beware of VANITY: that is seeking to have a position; wanting to show off, and always wanting to appear in front of others. Another temptation is that of SELFISHNESS or SELF-CENTEREDNESS : acting as if the only thing that matters is one’s own interests or problems. We become self centered when we constantly victimize ourselves, especially when we’re not winning the battle; pretending to be hurt, beaten and even sick. Another vice Jesus points out is POWER: this desire for power means looking for the first place in everything; to feel in control of everything and everyone. Power is often so desirable because we use it to fill our emptiness.

3) Time. The widow gives all her wealth: all that she has and not what is left over. Today, I want to name that money: “time”. I refer to the money she gave as giving her time because time is the most valuable thing you have. Time it is fleeting; it reminds you that you are finite because you can’t turn back time, but neither can you accelerate processes in your life. Time is so valuable because it has a present, a past and a future. Consider what you are giving to God. How much time do you give God ? Are you taking advantage of your time? I hope this meditation does not simply remain in your past.

May God bless you in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. And never forget that Heaven is our goal.

Your contribution help us to continue with our mission
God Bless You!

 

Digital Missioners Donations

 

 

 

Related Articles

Leave a comment