Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
November 10, 2024
Today’s Readings:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111024.cfm
He 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.”
Mark 12:41-44
We often hear the term “All or Nothing” to describe a superhuman effort perhaps on a sports field or in a gambling effort: “Leave it all on the field!”, “Give it everything you’ve got!”.
But let’s think about the phrase in reference to today’s reading. What would make this poor widow give her livelihood – everything she had – to the Lord’s treasury?
Jesus makes it clear that to assure ourselves of entry into Heaven, we must allow grace to convert every aspect of our lives. As long as we hold on to even a small uncoverted corner of selfishness, we will not be ready to receive the fullness of God. The parable in only minimally about money. It is about the riches of our hearts.
Poetry: The Widow’s Mites – Richard Crashaw ( c.1613 – 1649)
Two mites, two drops, yet all her house and land,
Fall from a steady heart, though trembling hand:
The other's wanton wealth foams high, and brave;
The other cast away, she only gave.
Video: The Widow’s Mites
Lavish Mercy 