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 owns you? What do you own? There are many things in our lives to which this aphorism might apply: "_____ is a great servant but a bad master." I might frequently fill in the blank with things like money, habits, food, etc. What is there in your life or ministry which presently needs to be reoriented to the place of a servant rather than a master? Are we aware of our capacity to let go, and then allow what we release and commend to God to truly usher in God's Kingdom?
Prayer
God of all provision, help us see our intentions as sacred possibilities that we may abide in the fullness of contributing to your work in this world through the labors of our hands. Amen.