THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Gospel: 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.”
BEING HUMBLE BEFORE OUR GOD: Once there was a priest who used to give his homily in a language that nobody knew or understood. He wanted to show the congregation that he had studied abroad. Sometimes he could claim to be speaking Jesus’ language. There are other church members who like to show off their fancy clothes, cars or other material possessions. Jesus warns us to beware of such people (Mark 12:38-44). The church is a place where we are expected to be humble before God. A person who is humble and sincere before God like the widow of Zarephath of Sidon (1 Kings 17:10-16) or the poor widow at the treasury (Mark 12:41- 44), receives blessing from God. Using religion to show off does not merit any blessing from God but offends Him.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to be humble all the time.
DAILY GOSPEL 