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
What hope do you have for your life? Are you being asked to give your last resources to someone else? Circumstances like that are scary and you may not see any reason to have hope. But think of the news stories of people whose homes have been destroyed by hurricanes, fires, or tornadoes. Or those who have been harmed by the evil actions of others. Along with the destruction, there are also stories of others who stepped in to help, to restore, and just to give comfort. When we are asked to donate to a charity, we consider how much to give. We are not asked to give all that we have, but we are asked to be generous to others. If our generosity makes us a little nervous that we will be short of funds, that is when we should have hope that we also will be taken care of when we are in need.
Prayer
Open our eyes, dear Lord, to see those around us who may be on their last legs, so to speak, and to help them recover. And in so doing show them the great love and care you have for all of us. Amen.