Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint 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.”
Giving
1) Appearance. This is one of the biggest temptations that we can have, including the people that work in the Church, and I mean the temptation of being interested in what others think or of gaining power instead of spreading the reign of God. Today, we live in a world of appearance, and we are more interested in getting likes on Facebook or Instagram than in fighting for what we want in life.
2) Silence. Silence is the road that we must take. We must learn to act in silence, without announcements or recognition for what we do, and we must avail ourselves of the little things. It is in the simple things of life where we will find God. We should not live for the sake of our appearances. We must, instead, take the example of St. Francis of Assisi who reminds us that simplicity helps sanctity.
3) To give. Doing things from the bottom of your heart will allow us to reach God and understand the path of life. Give yourself to others just as you are and with what you have. Do not just give your “leftovers” to others or God.
God bless you in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Always remember, Heaven is our goal!
