Gospel Reflections for November 7 2021: 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Gospel for November 7 2021 – Mark 12:38-44

Gospel Reflections for November 7 2021

What Jesus sees.

There is a large crowd in the Temple area in today’s Gospel, but Jesus especially sees just one person.

Many people there are putting their donations for the poor into huge brass jars, that ring loudly when a large coin drops in for all to hear …just as some donors wanted. The coin the woman puts in is so small it makes no sound at all …but Jesus notices. 

If you saw the woman’s donation, you would know …she accomplished nothing for the poor! What she gave, which was all that she had, was so small that it could not have helped anyone at all. However, Jesus notices not what she gave, but how she gave, and tells everyone how impressed He is at her deep personal commitment. The woman made a profound gift of her entire self. What kind of person does that?

Jesus sees the nature of her generous heart. While others gave much larger gifts that attracted attention, Jesus also noticed their insincere hearts. They only gave in order to be seen as generous, while the woman gave to express her genuine love.  

She must have thought deeply about her gift and prayed about it for some time. Her decision was a well-considered and thoughtful one, with both careful reflection and intense emotions of love and compassion. Her decision became more powerful and effective than all the other gifts precisely because it was so authentic and genuine. 

This is a time of great political debate about new economic programs, involving trillions of dollars. I cannot even imagine amounts so large. (Just to count to one trillion would take you over 30,000 years!) I cannot comment on whether they are right or not for our country but these amazing amounts can make your own efforts seem so small. Who would notice?

Jesus always notices any effort you make that is made with love.  

On Thursday of this week, we will remember Veteran’s Day. Like the widow in the Gospel, they each gave all that they had, their entire life, for our country to survive and prosper. Each veteran chose to place their life on the line and paid the ultimate price. We will notice them on Thursday. 

The Gospel widow reminds us we cannot offer nothing. Therefore, make every generous donation large or small, every kind word, every thoughtful gesture, every prayer, your personal gift of genuine love. 

Our Lord will surely notice.

God Bless!

Fr. Dave