Mark 12:38-44
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.”
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.”
Showing off and Stealing, or Sacrificing with a humble spirit?
Today's Gospel scene is direct from the Temple, where Jesus and His disciples are present, not far from the treasurer's tax box, and where people offer their contributions to the temple in obedience to the biblical order. Per Exodus 30:13-14, "Each man who is registered and twenty years old or more must pay half a shekel to the temple" every year.
Offering to the temple is requested of the adult males in Israel. Jesus notices how the rich people are proud of their offerings and the way they dress to show how rich they are and how much they pay.
Jesus advises the disciples not to pretend to be pious and virtuous, exploiting their religious ranks to glorify themselves and exploit others in God's name.
His eyes are fixed upon a poor woman. Reading between the lines and with His divine eyes, He tries His best not to notice her depositing her two mite offering, all she has, and vanishes. This leaves us with two things to think about. As a woman, she has no obligation to pay any tax. What she offers is not a surplus that she could do without, but all she has for her survival.
The Temple is top priority for this poor woman. She is giving to God with full faith, trust and humility. God will provide for her as He did for the widow of Zarephath with the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 17:9-16 and the widow with prophet Elisha in 2 Kings 4:1-7.
She does not want people to praise her because she offers something to the temple. Even though she is not obligated to do so by the Torah, she does it simply and devoutly with a humble heart that God will not reject.
This Sunday, we are invited to think about:
What temple do we think about according to our Christian faith, a building where we meet for prayers, or the Church community which is the "temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:19) or both?
Do we commit to Church contributions, forming a sharing community that allows the Church to offer charity and cover its material needs?
Do I offer my contributions to the Church regularly and how do I do it?
What does it mean for me to contribute to the Church with a humble spirit and gratitude to the Lord?
What do I learn from this woman with her two mites?
Sure that Jesus' eyes probe the depths of our heart and read our deep intentions, may we walk in His presence and live according to His advice.