Humility through sacrifice and generosity

Readings: 1^st: 2 Tim 4:1-8; Ps: 71; Gos: Mc 12:39-44

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico &  Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Today is Saturday of the ninth week of ordinary time. In today’s gospel according to Mark, after his last criticism against the Scribes, Christ instructs the disciples.

This instruction simply reminds us that we must not follow the examples of the Pharisees, rather, we should be humble and generous.

So, using the example of the poor, but generous widow Christ teaches us how we should act at all times with humility. In the gesture of this poor widow, we see the manifestation of the will of God.

So, Christ warns us that rather than imitates the arrogant and hypocritical life style or example to the Pharisees and scribes, we should always live a very simple and humble life.

Today’s Gospel also reminds us of the importance of sacrifice and generosity. These two virtues move and function together. One cannot be generous without being ready to make some sacrifice.

The woman gave the greatest because, she generously gave everything she had. This is because, she trusted in divine providence.

The summary is that, God looks at the heart and its readiness to give generously, and not necessarily at the quantity of what we give.

So, let us pray that the Lord will give us a humble, simple and generous heart, so, that we may always live in a way that is pleasing to him.

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!