REFLECTIONS TODAY Jesus makes a stark comparison. Both the scribes and the widow practice religion but with different perspectives. The religion of the scribe is self-serving. The widow practices a genuine piety which spirit is described in today’s First Reading: “Prayer and fasting are good, but better than either is almsgiving accompanied by righteousness” (Tb 12:8). Jesus underlines that God is interested not on the display of our pious acts but on the sincerity by which we relate to him. The poor widow gives sacrificially, reflecting her extraordinary commitment to the Lord. Thus, in effect, she gives even more than the rich people. GOSPEL • MARK 12:38-44 In the course of his teaching Jesus said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext, recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation.” He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.” SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2021,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.