Filled with Gratitude – Reflection on Mark 12:38-44
Jesus expects the scribes as teachers, lawyers, and judges of the law (as he would of everyone) to share what God gave them in responsible percentages to and for others. To provide our time, talent, or treasure humbly and selflessly for others is a sign of faith-filled maturity. Like the poor widow, true human wholeness is primarily sharing our spiritual assets of prayer and love and, if possible, physical and financial value beyond our necessities. We do this without the expectation of being measured or compared. God desires us to use our free will to share without being honored. I am filled with gratitude that many are turning towards Divinity for guidance on distributing their abundance.
The Widow’s Mite by James Tissot, painting at full resolution.
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Mark 12:38-44 – Scripture*
Jesus Denounces the Scribes
38 As 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, 39 and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! 40 They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
The Widow’s Offering
41 He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. 43 Then 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. 44 For 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.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Mark 12:38-44 Reflection – Filled with Gratitude.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Mark 12 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
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