Mark 12:38-44
Gospel according to Mark 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." Jesus 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."
Reflections
In today’s Gospel, Jesus begins with a stern warning to the crowds in the temple - He advises everyone to be wary of the scribes. These religious leaders were supposed to set the example for everyone to follow, by living a life of poverty in spirit. Jesus calls them out for doing the opposite, dressing in fancy robes and proudly seeking fame and honor. We should remind ourselves that the temptations that the scribes have fallen victim to are universal for anyone in a position of power and authority, and that even ordinary people like ourselves may fall for these temptations in some way or another.
But Jesus especially notices the hypocrisy of the scribes, since they are meant to be God’s servants among His children. Rather, the scribes almost seem to have no interest in God’s kingdom whatsoever. They expect to be treated with the best seats in the synagogues, and only pray elaborately in the presence of witnesses to show off their piety. Jesus describes them like caricatures of their true calling and spiritual purpose - Not a good look for those tasked with teaching what God commanded about the marginalized in society.
He goes on to give the greatest condemnation, warning that the scribes “devour the houses of widows.” The scribes abused their position, distorted their vocational callings, and unfairly lifted themselves above others. Jesus teaches that this is the best that things are going to get for them - In God’s Kingdom, the first will be made the last (Matthew 10:16). Those who abuse their authority will be brought down, and their wicked ways will be condemned, no matter how much they try to distort God’s commandments to justify their actions.
The next section begins with Jesus observing the treasury with His disciples, where offerings were being made to the temple. The rich people were giving away large sums of money for all to see. Suddenly, a poor widow came and gave two small coins, which were worth very little. The stark contrast is used as a teaching moment for Jesus’ disciples.
This moment was an example of Jesus’ previous warning in the temple. The poor widow gave away her entire livelihood, and was left with nothing. She was, in a way, a victim to the corrupt system of the temple. But through her generosity, the widow powerfully demonstrated absolute reliance in the protection of the Lord. No matter how much we may be taken advantage of in this life, this passage reminds us that God will always provide us with what we need. And every time we perform an act of generosity, we are also granted eternal treasures in the Kingdom of God.
Jesus teaches that the value of an act of generosity lies much more in the spiritual intention than in the quantity that one gives. In the sight of God, the poor widow’s donation was worth more than the donations of all the rich people. She was left with nothing to live with, while the rich people still had wealth to spare. This event teaches us the importance of little acts that may seem insignificant to everyone around us. But these acts will never go unseen by our Heavenly Father. In the same way, even if they are not as perfect as we would intend, God is always pleased with our actions of mercy.