Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Mark 12:38-44

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.” New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Giving can be risky.  Today's passage is about a poor
widow who gave two small copper coins to the temple
treasury.  It was all she had.  She not only risked her
livelihood, she also risked ridicule from on lookers who
could give much more.

And even though her donation was small and may not
have made much difference, it was her devotion to
God that has been and inspiration for generations.  
Jesus said of her, "truly I tell you, this poor widow has
put in more than all those who are contributing to the
treasury.  For all of them have contributed out of their
abundance:  but she our of her poverty has put
everything she had, all she had to live on"
(vv; 43-43, NRSV).

Loving can also be risky. But it is always worth it
because love changes things.  Sometimes I am affraid
to love.  What's the risk, I ask myself?  Rejection?

It's never about the offering.  It's about the heart and
the love behind the giving.  The poor widow trusted the
love of her Lord to cover her needs and desires.

Prayer:

Lord please help us to give from a heart of love and
devotion.  Amen

(Covenant Home Alter, author Alice Benavides)