Sunday, November 8, 2009

Today's is a Tough Gospel to Live

Giving from one's substance, not one's abundance. I think that's the translation I recall from my childhood. Maybe not; "substance" doesn't seem right. Anyway, this reading is certainly easier to hear when you're a child  and you don't really have anything to give, or any reputation to maintain, or any desire really to be admired. Not as easy at 50.

Gospel

Mk 12:38-44 or 12:41-44

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."

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."

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