Daily Readings - Sat Jun 10 2023
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
The readings today remind us of the power of faith and the importance of living a life rooted in humility and generosity. In the first reading from Tobit, we see how Tobit and his son Tobias express profound gratitude to Raphael, the angel who has guided and protected them. Raphael, however, redirects their thanks to God, emphasizing that true blessings come from Him. He also shares a profound truth: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are not just acts of devotion but ways to deepen our relationship with God and find mercy and eternal life. Raphael’s words call us to reflect on how we live out our faith in our daily lives.
In the Gospel, Jesus warns against the hypocrisy of those who seek recognition and power, while he praises the humility and generosity of a poor widow. The widow, though she had very little, gave everything she had to live on. Her small offering, Jesus says, is greater than the large sums given by the wealthy because it came from a place of deep sacrifice and trust in God. This teaches us that true generosity is not measured by how much we have but by how much we are willing to give from the heart.
Both readings challenge us to examine our own lives. Are we living with genuine faith, or are we caught up in appearances? Do we give from our abundance, or do we give sacrificially, trusting that God will provide? Let us take to heart the lessons of Tobit and the widow. May we cultivate a deeper relationship with God through prayer, fasting, and acts of love for others. And may we remember that true greatness in God’s eyes is not found in wealth or status but in humility, generosity, and a heart that trusts in Him completely.