Mark 12:38-44 (NRSV)
Read Mark 12:38-44 on biblegateway.com
Verse 38As he taught, he said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, Verse 39and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! Verse 40They devour widows' houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation."
Verse 41He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. Verse 42A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Verse 43Then 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. Verse 44For 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."
Devotion
God must have a special love for widows. First, we learn of the widow in Monday’s Old Testament lesson who faithfully fed the prophet Elijah what would have been her last meal. And now, another widow.
In Jesus’ day, widows represented the poor and vulnerable of society. In Jesus’ stories, they also represented the generous. What did they know that engendered such generosity? Perhaps it was their dependence on God’s good gifts for daily life and meaning? Perhaps it was their sensitivity for those without? Or maybe, because of life’s experiences, they were just more grateful for God’s abundance.
What is clear is that, despite their financial situations, these two widows were truly rich. They were rich because they understood that whatever they had was a gift from our generous God, given to be shared with others.
Prayer
Dear God, instill within me the faith to believe that your generosity is sufficient for this day. Give me the heart of these widows, to share from your abundance with others who have need. Amen.