Reflection on the readings from Sunday Nov 11th: 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Mk 12:38-44

In the course of his teaching Jesus said to the crowds,

"Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes

and accept greetings in the marketplaces,

seats of honor in synagogues,

and places of honor at banquets.

They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext

recite lengthy prayers.

They will receive a very severe condemnation."

He sat down opposite the treasury

and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury.

Many rich people put in large sums.

A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents.

Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them,

"Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more

than all the other contributors to the treasury.

For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth,

but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had,

her whole livelihood."

What do I remember most from this reading?

What sticks out so much to me in this reading is the widow giving all that she had.  I know personally what it is like to be poor.  I also know first hand what it is like to give every cent you have to your name to God, and the blessings that he showers back upon you when you do.  I know the trepidation when you have so little that you feel you can't possibily give anything away because you fear you can't make rent, or keep the electricity on, or can't put food in your belly.

Yet, through all these fears that this poor widow must have felt, she had the courage and strength to take that leap of faith...to say "Yes, Lord!  I trust in you!" and to give without knowing, to offer without reservation, and to love without end.  For a moment, even if that moment was fleeting, this woman rose to the level of God's unconditional and unending love.

How does this relate to my current situation on my path towards the Kingdom?

This strikes so close to home that it is painful, actually.  Business has been a little off for the past couple of weeks, and Brandy and I are having to ask our landlords to be patient with us on our rent.  We have no idea where our electricity and phone bills are going to be paid from, and food is not yet scarce, but it's down to the very basics for us for a while.  

I can directly see myself in this woman's shoes.  I have so little, at least monetarily  and I do not know when or where more will come from.  It is all, as everything is when you really think about it, in God's hands right now.  And, while I know God has a plan for this, and it is not just for my good, but for the good of all whose lives touch mine, I would feel a lot better if I were privy to this plan.

Alas, though I have prayed for such insights, it has yet to be granted to me.

How does this call me better myself?

It calls me to remember to give and not worry.  It brings to mind that I should be worried only for the troubles of today, for they are sufficient to themselves.  It doesn't mean I shouldn't be a good steward of my gifts, but it does mean I should let them go freely, as if I try to cling to them too tightly, they cling to be as tight as chains, and I'll find myself in bondage...a slave to worldly possessions.

God has taught me time and again that all things belong to Him.  He gives them when He sees fit, and He takes them when it is time.  In this, I find the strength to let go and not worry...for if I have nothing, I have everything, in that he who gives up everything and follows Christ will be the one who enters through that narrow gate...and it leads me one step closer to hearing those words:

"Well done, my good and faithful servant."