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The Poor Widow


June 6

June 6

Gospel
Mark 12:38-44
This poor widow has put in more than all

In his teaching Jesus said, ‘Beware of the scribes who like to walk about in long robes, to be greeted obsequiously in the market squares, to take the front seats in the synagogues and the places of honour at banquets; these are the men who swallow the property of widows, while making a show of lengthy prayers. The more severe will be the sentence they receive.’
    He sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the treasury, and many of the rich put in a great deal. A poor widow came and put in two small coins, the equivalent of a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘I tell you solemnly, this poor widow has put more in than all who have contributed to the treasury; for they have all put in money they had over, but she from the little she had has put in everything she possessed, all she had to live on.’


Reflection

This passage challenges our measure of generosity by outward appearances. Jesus contrasts the powerful, who give from surplus and seek recognition, with the widow who gives everything she has, though she contributes only a small coin. True generosity isn’t about the size of the gift or the applause it garners, but about trust and sacrifice: giving out of one’s need, in dependence on God for daily life. The widow’s act reveals a deeper faith—that God is the source of all provision and that even small acts of wholehearted devotion matter deeply in His sight.



Question for reflection

- In what areas of my life might I be tempted to give or act for show, rather than out of genuine trust in God? How might I practice a more faithful, sacrificial generosity this week?



Prayer

Lord Jesus, you value the heart behind the gift more than the gift itself. Help me to imitate the widow’s trust, to give joyfully even when I have little, and to seek Your praise above human accolades. Open my eyes to where I can serve others with humility, and strengthen my faith to rely on You for all my daily needs. May my small acts of generosity reflect Your great love. Amen.


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