Daily Readings - Sat Jun 05 2021
Mark
38As he taught, Jesus said, "Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces,39and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.40They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely."41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts.42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on."
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.