Gratitude and Giving: During the last weeks of the season after Pentecost, the Gospel of Mark, our primary guide, continues. The kingdom of God is open for all people. We hear this message in the readings about the rich man, the disciples jockeying for position, the blind man, the saints, the poor widow, and even Pilate as he queries Jesus about being a king. We don’t have to pass an entrance exam; we are already in the kingdom. Through all the changes that occur in our lives, what will not change is God’s love for each of us. The kingdom that Jesus is proclaiming is already here and yet is also still to come – the undercurrent of Advent, which is coming near.

The season after Pentecost continues for two more Sundays. The Gospel brings us back to noticing what we are being called to do. Clearly it is not to put on a big show or call attention to ourselves. Beware of those whose actions are not compatible with their talk! And perhaps it’s not about the size of the contribution, but the depth of the gratitude.

Since the Holy Scriptures are written for the Church, of which we are a part, what does Jesus’ praise of this woman inspire in us? How can we imitate her humility? What can we give to God, even out of our poverty?

While Jesus does not say that people will remember this widow forever, her story is being told all across the world today.  Her example will bless people until the end of time.  Her two small coins show that (1) even the poor can honor God with their gifts and (2) God judges the offering, not by the size of the gift, but by the person’s heart.

Prayer: O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.