Mark 12:38-44

Fr Joe writes this short reflection on today’s Gospel reading.

Jesus is still in the temple precinct as he continues teaching. He now warns the people about scribes (scholars and teachers of Mosaic Law) who have a propensity for wearing distinctive robes and being greeted obsequiously in the market squares, taking front seats in the synagogue and places of honour at banquets. Jesus is being critical of their inherent need to be noticed and honoured.

Those who through their position maybe have to sit at the top table, the front seat, greet people or wear particular attire,should do so in a way that is not inviting honour and privilege. What Jesus is pointing out is the dangers that can set in for those in position of leadership or prominence. Their duties should be carried out in service not to gain deference and praise.

Jesus then switches his attention to a widow. Widows were to be particularly looked after and this had been commanded by Moses (Deuteronomy 14:28-29, 24:17,21, 26:12-13). Jesus goes on to comment on her contribution to the Temple treasury. She had given out of her poverty, two small coins, the smallest of the coinage in Palestine, a couple of pence. Others in comparison had given much more but out of their surplus.

The point that Jesus makes is that God measures our donations not by what we give but by what is left over. Giving from wealth he says is not the same as giving from poverty and having no more to live on. Now this is trusting in God’s providence. Jesus is drawing attention that this widow is in this state of abject poverty. In the book of Deuteronomy 15:4 it reads “there should be no one in need.”

We therefore need to ask ourselves as a church, as a community, as a parish and as a world some serious questions. Why is the divide between poor and rich expanding rather than decreasing?  What is my contribution to charity saying about my response to those in need?

“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”
–St Mother Teresa (1910-1997)