"They have all contributed from their surplus wealth,
but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had,
her whole livelihood.”
(Mark 12:38-44)
People tend to look at outward appearances and actions but God looks at the heart. The widow’s offering, though small in monetary value, was great in sacrifice. She gave all she had, demonstrating her total dependence on God. Her two small coins were worth more in God’s eyes than all the large sums put in by the rich, because of her heart attitude. This challenges us to consider what true generosity looks like—it’s not about the amount we give, but the spirit in which we give. We have a duty to protect and care for those who are vulnerable in society. We should be genuine in our faith and actions, not seeking human praise but God’s approval. Let us live authentically, give generously, trust God completely, understand that God values the intent behind our actions, and serve others selflessly.
38 In the course of his teaching Jesus said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, 39 seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext, recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation.” 41 He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. 43 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. 44 For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.” (Mark 12:38-44)
In the world's eyes, we measure and compare, but God looks deeper, He looks with care. Not at our actions, not at our deeds, but at our hearts, and at our needs. A widow, humble, with coins but two, gave all she had, a sacrifice true. In God's eyes, her offering small, held more value than the rich man's all. Her heart was pure, her faith was deep, in God's grace, she chose to leap. Her trust in Him, complete and whole, a testament to her selfless soul. True generosity isn't about the sum, but the spirit of giving, where love comes from. It's not about wealth, it's not about might, but about shining God's heavenly light. We're called to protect, to care and to serve, those who are weak, those who deserve. To be genuine in faith, in actions pure, seeking God's approval, of this we're sure. Let's live authentically, let's give with joy, trust in God, His love employ. Understand that God values intent, in our actions, in every cent. So serve others selflessly, give your all, in God's eyes, you'll stand tall. For it's not about what the world can see, but about who, in God's eyes, we choose to be.
Dear Lord Jesus, we come before You today, acknowledging that You are the one who looks at the heart, not the outward appearances or actions. We are reminded of the widow's offering, small in monetary value but great in sacrifice. She gave all she had, demonstrating her total dependence on You. Her two small coins were worth more in Your eyes than all the large sums put in by the rich, because of her heart attitude. This challenges us, Lord, to consider what true generosity looks like—it’s not about the amount we give, but the spirit in which we give. We pray for a heart like the widow's, willing to give out of our poverty and not just our abundance. We understand that we have a duty to protect and care for those who are vulnerable in society. Help us to be genuine in our faith and actions, not seeking human praise but Your approval. Let us live authentically, give generously, trust You completely, and serve others selflessly. We pray for understanding, that we may realize You value the intent behind our actions more than the actions themselves. May we always strive to please You in all we do. In Your precious name, we pray. Amen.
We all face hard times and God wants to see how we respond. When adversity strikes, do we complain or do we accept God’s plan and continue to seek ways to glorify Him and serve others? We should persevere in our faith and service to God, so that we can also finish well. Our labor in the Lord is not in vain, and we lool forward to the glorious reward awaiting us in heaven. Let us preach the Word of God, in season and out of season, and share the gospel and God’s teachings, regardless of the circumstances. Our example of keeping God first during times of adversity is powerful.
1 Beloved: I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power: 2 proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. 3 For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers 4 and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths. 5 But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry. 6 For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 8 From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance. (2 Timothy 4:1-8)
In the face of hard times, we stand tall, God watches us, one and all. When adversity strikes, what do we say? Do we complain, or accept God's way? We seek to glorify Him, serve others too, in all we say, in all we do. Persevere in faith, in service stand tall, so at the end, we can say we gave it our all. Our labor in the Lord is not in vain, despite the hardships, despite the pain. A glorious reward awaits us above, a testament to His unending love. Preach the Word, in season, out of season, share the gospel, for every reason. Regardless of circumstance, come what may, keep God first, each and every day. In times of adversity, let our example shine, keeping God first, in the divine. Powerful is our faith, steadfast and true, guided by His love, forever anew.
Dear Heavenly Father, in the face of hard times, we know You are with us. You see how we respond when adversity strikes. Do we complain, or do we accept Your divine plan? Help us, Lord, to accept Your will and continue to seek ways to glorify You and serve others. We pray for the strength to persevere in our faith and service to You. Guide us so that we can finish well. Remind us that our labor in You is not in vain, and that a glorious reward awaits us in heaven. Help us to preach Your Word, in season and out of season, and to share the gospel and Your teachings, regardless of the circumstances. May our example of keeping You first during times of adversity be a powerful testimony to others. We thank You for Your love and guidance. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
We have a duty to share God’s goodness, righteous acts, and deeds of salvation with others. God has taught us since our youth. Our faith and trust in God have been built over a lifetime, developing a strong relationship with God from a young age, to sustain us in our later years. Our trust is in God, seeking His guidance and deliverance, and relying on Him in all circumstances throughout our lives. Let us continually acknowledge God’s glory and express our gratitude for sustaining us in all of our lives.
8 My mouth shall be filled with your praise, with your glory day by day. 9 Cast me not off in my old age; as my strength fails, forsake me not. 14 But I will always hope and praise you ever more and more. 15 My mouth shall declare your justice, day by day your salvation. 16 I will treat of the mighty works of the Lord; O God, I will tell of your singular justice. 17 O God, you have taught me from my youth, and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds. 22 So will I give you thanks with music on the lyre, for your faithfulness, O my God! I will sing your praises with the harp, O Holy One of Israel! (Psalm 71:8-9, 14-15, 16-17, 22)
In the dawn of our youth, His lessons took root, God's goodness and grace, in our hearts did shoot. Righteous acts and deeds of salvation, we learned, in His eternal love, our young hearts yearned. A lifetime spent in faith, trust in Him built, in the fortress of God, free of guilt. From a tender age, a relationship strong, with God at our side, where we belong. In the twilight of years, His love sustains, through joy and sorrow, sunshine and rains. Our trust in God, a beacon bright, guiding us through, the darkest night. Seeking His guidance, His deliverance we implore, relying on Him, now and evermore. In all circumstances, His presence we perceive, in His infinite wisdom, we believe. Acknowledging His glory, in every sunrise, expressing gratitude, under the starlit skies. For sustaining us, through life's highs and lows, in the garden of faith, the divine flower grows.
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging our duty to share Your goodness, Your righteous acts, and Your deeds of salvation with others. You have been our teacher since our youth, guiding us in Your ways and instilling in us a deep faith and trust in You. We thank You for the strong relationship we have developed with You from a young age, a relationship that has sustained us and will continue to sustain us in our later years. Our trust is in You, Lord. We seek Your guidance and deliverance, relying on You in all circumstances throughout our lives. We continually acknowledge Your glory, Lord. We express our deepest gratitude for Your sustaining grace, for being our rock and our fortress in all seasons of our lives. May we always remember to share Your love and goodness with others, and may our lives be a testament to Your enduring faithfulness. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
IV: The Full Revelation of the Mystery
DENUNCIATION OF THE SCRIBES / THE POOR WIDOW'S CONTRIBUTION
Mark 12:38-40 / 41-44
First Reading
III: Instructions Concerning False Teachings
SOLEMN CHARGE / REWARD FOR FIDELITY
2 Timothy 4:1-5 / 6-8
Psalm
Second Book of Psalms 42-72
PRAYER IN TIME OF OLD AGE
Psalm 71:1-24
Related Blogs:
https://withholdnothingfromthelord.blogspot.com/2024/06/contributed-her-whole-livelihood.html
https://pursueyourpurposeinlife.blogspot.com/2024/06/fulfill-your-ministry.html
https://timetalentandtreasures.blogspot.com/2024/06/youth-till-present.html
Reflection Source: Conversation with Copilot
