[Salvation]

Sunday Scrpture Study

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle B

November 11, 2012

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Opening Prayer  

First Reading: 1 Kings 17:10-16

Psalm: 146:7-10

Second Reading: Hebrews 7:23-28

Gospel Reading: Mark 12:38-44

• As we saw last Sunday, Jesus is now in Jerusalem and in the midst of his opponents, the scribes, Pharisees, and Saducees; it is after his triumphal entry (on Palm Sunday, Mark 11:1-10) and before his Passion (Holy Thursday, Mark 14:12ff). This Sunday finds him in the Temple precincts near the “Court of the Women,” where there were thirteen trumpet-shaped chests in which to place offerings.

• The scribes (often translated as “scribes of the law” or “lawyers”) were the scholars and intellectuals of Judaism. As do lawyers today, they could serve as trustees for the property of widows and other powerless people, sometimes receiving as their fee a share of the estate.

• Widows, as we heard in our first reading, were among the most powerless of ancient society, most of her rights coming from her closest male relative. Left on her own, the widow often had no means of support. The Bible often singles out poor widows as those who are to be the special concern of those who are more fortunate (Psalm 68:5; Isaiah 10:2; Acts 6:1; 1 Timothy 5:3; James 1:27).

• Jesus contrasts the attitudes of the mighty and powerful religious specialists, with the poor widow who displays humble confidence in her God.

 

QUESTIONS:

• How would you describe the lifestyle of many of the scribes of Jesus’ time (vv 38-40)? By contrast, what should the attitude of a Christian leader be (see Mark 10:42-45)?

• What is Jesus’ point in contrasting the situation of the scribes with that of the poor widow?

• When is “more” actually” less”?

• What does Jesus say about how we should give alms (see Matthew 6:1-4).

• How do people use religion to make themselves look good? How have you been tempted to do so?

• Why do you give to God’s work? What do you give besides money?

Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 678, 2444, 2544-2547

 

The poor widow cast only two pennies into the treasury; yet because she gave all she had it is said of her that she surpassed all the rich in offering gifts to god. Such gifts are valued not by their weight but by the good will with which they are made.    --St. Jerome

[Salvation]

Putting Our Two Cents Worth In

Pastor’s Column

32^nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

November 11, 2012

 

“A poor widow also came in 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 has put in more than all the rest; for the others contributed from their surplus wealth,

but she put in all she had.”

                                                                                          Mark 12:42-44

 

          Between the courtyard of the women and of the men outside the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem was a passage called the beautiful gate. At this gate were 13 trumpet-shaped containers where temple visitors could throw in coins for various causes. These vessels, called “trumpets” were designed to make noise when a contribution was made to encourage others to do likewise. Perhaps part of the appeal of making a large donation was the hefty sound this made on the way down! 

 

          Not so with this poor widow. No doubt she very carefully placed these two small pennies—all she had—in very carefully so as to not draw attention to her small donation—but Jesus noticed it! In fact, Jesus deliberately sat and watched the collection box! One conclusion we can draw from this is that while the Lord doesn’t want us advertising our giving to others, the Lord himself pays attention to what we give him of our time and treasure. Here are some conclusions we can draw from this parable:

 

• ·         Jesus looks at the heart.
• ·         Jesus does not judge us by appearances as we tend to do.
• ·         Instead, he looks at our motives.
• ·         Jesus is impressed by humility and put off by pride and “showy-ness.”
• ·         Jesus loves the gifts we give him, especially the ones that others don’t notice.
• ·         Jesus is attracted by our poverty.
• ·         Jesus is attracted by those who give everything they have.
• ·         Our offerings do not have to be perfect to be pleasing to God, as long as we are truly giving from our hearts.
• ·         A real gift to the Lord must somehow be sacrificial!
• ·         This was a very small gift in real terms, but for this woman it was a lot of money. 
• ·         What do I give God in prayer, or money, or sacrifice? Is it just spare change? This is a woman who holds nothing back!
• ·         This is a woman who has a radical trust in God! And she is the richest one of all!
• ·         And isn't this a description of Jesus himself?

                                                                                          Father Gary