Reflections from the November 8 Gospel
Mark 12:38-44
Jesus explains that the widow’s tiny sum was generous in a way that the larger amounts people gave were not. The poor widow “contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.” She was truly generous, giving what cost her dearly. Her contribution was made out of love, not just out of obligation or for the sake of show.
God has given us all different “livelihoods.” Some of us have more money, more talents, more resources. Some of us have less. But of course we know that God’s love for us is not based on this external data. He loves the rich and the poor alike. The question is whether this external data affects our love for God? Jesus’ message challenges us all today to gratefully give back to God in thanks for whatever he has given us, be it small or great. We are called not to give from our surplus but to share from our very livelihood. That is to say, we are called to acknowledge that our livelihood itself, no matter the details, is a gift from God.
Questions of the Week
Mark 12:38-44:
How does this Gospel reading
challenge Christians today?
1 Kings 17:10-16:
What do you find admirable about the widow in this story?
Hebrews 9:24-28:
Do you agree with the philosophy behind today’s reading? Why or why not?