32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: November 07, 2021
Readings: 1 Kings 17:10–16; Psalm 146:7–10; Hebrews 9:24–28; Mark 12:38–44
Jesus observes widow's mite To watch and listen to my video reflections in YouTube, please click here | |
The month of November is a reminder that we are made for heaven. We begin the month by praying to all the saints who have walked a life of witness in this world and are now crowned in glory. We also recall those souls who lived a Christian life and are no more with us. It is a stark reminder to each one of us that at the end we are not made for this world too long. We end our earthly journey either abruptly or a little slower way. The message is clear that we need to look for something lasting, eternal, unbeatable and holy. Our life only in God might help us to reach that aim of our lives.
1. Offering to the last penny
As the liturgical readings are drawing us closer to the Season of Advent, we see Jesus speaking about how our actions must demonstrate the kind of persons we are. Jesus is very observant. Evangelist St Mark writes, "And he sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the multitude putting money into the treasury" (Mark 12:41). As a keen observer, Jesus met the needs of the people. He also taught people through his keen observing eyes! A poor widow puts in the temple treasury just two copper coins. In fact, that is all what she had. Whereas many rich people put in large sums of money. Jesus makes a comment here. “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For they all contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, her whole living.”(Mark 12: 43-44). It is not how much you contribute but how you do it. The woman gives all that was there for her sustenance but others put in all that was extra and superfluous.