First reading 2 Timothy 4:1-8
I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith; it is time for me to be gone
Before God and before Christ Jesus who is to be judge of the living and the dead, I put this duty to you, in the name of his Appearing and of his kingdom: proclaim the message and, welcome or unwelcome, insist on it. Refute falsehood, correct error, call to obedience – but do all with patience and with the intention of teaching. The time is sure to come when, far from being content with sound teaching, people will be avid for the latest novelty and collect themselves a whole series of teachers according to their own tastes; and then, instead of listening to the truth, they will turn to myths. Be careful always to choose the right course; be brave under trials; make the preaching of the Good News your life’s work, in thoroughgoing service.
As for me, my life is already being poured away as a libation, and the time has come for me to be gone. I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith; all there is to come now is the crown of righteousness reserved for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that Day; and not only to me but to all those who have longed for his Appearing.
Responsorial Psalm 70(71):8-9,14-17,22
My lips will tell of your justice, O Lord.
My lips are filled with your praise,
with your glory all the day long.
Do not reject me now that I am old;
when my strength fails do not forsake me.
But as for me, I will always hope
and praise you more and more.
My lips will tell of your justice
and day by day of your help
(though I can never tell it all).
I will declare the Lord’s mighty deeds
proclaiming your justice, yours alone.
O God, you have taught me from my youth
and I proclaim your wonders still.
So I will give you thanks on the lyre
for your faithful love, my God.
To you will I sing with the harp,
to you, the Holy One of Israel.
Gospel Mark 12:38-44
This poor widow has put in more than all
In his teaching Jesus said, ‘Beware of the scribes who like to walk about in long robes, to be greeted obsequiously in the market squares, to take the front seats in the synagogues and the places of honour at banquets; these are the men who swallow the property of widows, while making a show of lengthy prayers. The more severe will be the sentence they receive.’
He sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the treasury, and many of the rich put in a great deal. A poor widow came and put in two small coins, the equivalent of a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘I tell you solemnly, this poor widow has put more in than all who have contributed to the treasury; for they have all put in money they had over, but she from the little she had has put in everything she possessed, all she had to live on.’
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A life fully given
In the first reading, St Paul looks back at his life and says, “My life is already poured away as a libation, and the time has come for me to be gone. I have fought the good fight to the end…” He sees his whole life as a sacrifice lovingly poured out for God, rather than something to hold onto tightly. His confidence is not in worldly success, but in remaining faithful to God.
In the Gospel, Jesus notices a widow dropping her two small coins into the treasury and praises her. Others give from their surplus; she gives from the little that she has. Like St Paul, she holds nothing back. Although her offering is small, it reflects her total trust in God. God sees and values the heart behind the gift, rather than its size. Today, these two readings challenge us to consider how much we offer ourselves to God. We can be like St Paul, dedicating our lives to serving His mission, or we can perform small, hidden acts of simple generosity like the widow. In both cases, it is love that makes the gift complete.
Reflective question:
How is God asking me to give my time, attention, or resources to Him and others today?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
