Everything She Had

While Jesus was teaching in the temple, he said, “How can the scribes say that the Messiah is the son of David? David himself, by the Holy Spirit, declared, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet.”‘ “David himself calls him Lord; so how can he be his son?” And the large crowd was listening to him with delight. As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” Mark 12:35-44

Creator of all abundance and love

you shower us with all that we need

and teach us how to live generously

so that all of your creation can thrive.

We humans are selfish and fearful

hoarding and hiding your gifts

unwilling to share the way you taught

seeing our neighbors as a threat.

You sat but they treasury and saw

the widow who gave her last dime

knowing that you would provide

trusting that others needed her help.

Let us be the selfless one today

help us to give ourselves completely

teach us again your generous love

learning love as we your love away. Amen.