Daily Readings - Sat Jun 10 2017
First Reading - Tobit 12.1-20
Gospel - Mark 12.38-44
Mark
And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful stories that invite us to reflect on faith, generosity, and the transformative power of God’s presence in our lives. The first reading from Tobit recounts the moment when Raphael, the angel sent by God, reveals his true identity to Tobit and his son Tobias. Raphael emphasizes the importance of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, explaining that these practices not only honor God but also bring healing and mercy to those in need. The reading reminds us that our acts of faith, even when hidden or unseen, are seen by God and are part of His divine plan. The second reading from Mark’s Gospel shifts our focus to the example of the poor widow who, despite her limited resources, offers her last two coins to the Temple treasury. Jesus uses this moment to teach His disciples about the true meaning of generosity, pointing out that the widow’s small offering is greater than the large sums given by the wealthy because she gave from her very own need.
Both readings highlight the theme of selflessness and trust in God’s providence. In Tobit, Raphael’s words remind us that our acts of faith, even when they seem insignificant or hidden, are part of a larger divine plan. Similarly, the widow in Mark’s Gospel shows us that true generosity is not measured by what we have, but by the love and trust we place in God. These stories challenge us to examine our own lives and consider how we might live with greater faith, humility, and generosity.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How can we, like Tobit and the widow, trust in God’s plan and live with radical generosity? Perhaps we can begin by recognizing the ways in which God is already at work in our lives, even in the smallest details. We can also strive to let go of our attachment to material possessions and instead offer our time, talents, and resources to those in need. By doing so, we not only honor God but also become instruments of His mercy and love in the world. May we, like Raphael and the widow, allow our faith to inspire us to live with humility, trust, and open hearts, knowing that God sees and blesses even the smallest acts of love and devotion.