Mark 12:41-44 He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. 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. 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."
Context: Jesus sits. Jesus watches. Although the woman may have put her coins in one of the thirteen trumpet-shaped receptacles against the wall of the Court of Women on the temple mound, it sounds as if Jesus were sitting across from the temple treasury where the Priest would announce the gift offered and the purpose for which it is given. This is more likely where the woman put her coins and how Jesus knew what each of the people had given. This is not the way of today where our giving is kept secret.
Going Deeper: These are the last words Mark’s Jesus speaks in the temple. If we reread verses 38-40 we will see the sharp contrast between the widow (and those who are like her) who “put in everything she had” and the scribes (and those who are like them) who “devour widows’ houses.” It isn’t the amount you give, it isn’t even the heart you give with … it is the percentage of your life and your resources!
Pondering: Although I would like to identify with the widow in this part of our the reading this week, I fear I am really more like the scribes of last week. In Part 1 of our study this week, we were challenged to examine ourselves to see our tendency toward religious and societal hypocrisy. It was a deeply reflective time but reflection is not enough! Action is required. Nothing less than moving toward offering all I am (my life) and all I have (my resources) to God and God’s purposes. This is easier said than done for it requires that I walk as closely with Jesus as the disciples did.
Praying the Examen: The Examen is a way to increase our awareness of God's presence in our daily lives. We are not measuring success or failure but we are noticing the spiritual state of our interior being. Begin by centering on God's presence with thanksgiving. Allow memories of your day or week (or any other time period) to arise in your consciousness. Consider the energy each remembrance brings to you. Ask God to shine a light upon your soul and give you insight. During which moment were you filled with Spirit … giving your whole self in love to the world? During which moment were you resisting Spirit and turning inward … away from expressing love in the world? As you consider these moments, is there an invitation for you? Are there any changes you are being called to make? Praise God who loves us and calls us and empowers us to be a living sacrifice in the world!
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