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
Jesus often makes comparisons. In this witness he observes the temple leaders who take care to elevate themselves above others. He watches the rich contribute large sums to the treasury. Then he sees the poor widow who, with thanks to God, offers all that she has.
We have much to learn from this teaching moment. How do we offer ourselves to God? Do we give deeply of ourselves, giving care to those who have little? Do we seek to lift up the lowly, giving thanks to God for all those who give help to us? Or do we puff out our chests, making much of our gifts?
Prayer
Gracious Lord, you continually show us ways to give generously. Keep our eyes and ears open for ways to give care to others and humbly give thanks to you. Amen.