Daily Readings - Sat Jun 05 2021
Mark
38And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,39And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:40Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.41And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.42And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.43And 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:44For 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 lessons about humility, sincerity, and the true nature of service to God. In the first reading from Tobit, the angel Raphael reveals his divine 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. He reminds them that true faith is not about seeking recognition or reward but about trusting in God’s providence and living with humility. The reading concludes with Raphael’s return to heaven, leaving Tobit and Tobias in awe and gratitude for the divine intervention in their lives.
In the Gospel, Jesus warns his disciples against the hypocrisy of the scribes, who seek praise and recognition through their outward displays of piety. He then draws attention to the poor widow who, despite her poverty, gives everything she has to the temple. Jesus praises her generosity, noting that she has given more than the wealthy donors because she offered her entire living, trusting in God’s care. This contrast between the scribes’ pretense and the widow’s sincerity underscores the importance of living a life of authentic faith, where actions are motivated by love for God rather than the desire for human approval.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own lives. Are we living with the humility and sincerity that Tobit and the widow exemplify, or are we tempted to seek recognition for our good deeds? Raphael’s words remind us that true service to God is about trusting in His plan and living with gratitude, even in the face of trials. The widow’s example teaches us that generosity is not measured by what we have but by the love and trust with which we give. Let us strive to live in such a way that our actions reflect our faith, not for the sake of appearances, but because we know that everything we have comes from God, and everything we give is a response to His boundless love.