“For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.” – Mark 12:44 The poor widow in our Gospel passage for Sunday went all in, contributing all she had to glorify God. She gave the last of what she had, “all she had to live on” in some translations. The Lord looked into her heart as she gave and saw the disposition she…
Whenever I read this Sunday’s Gospel reflection about the rich young man who “went away sad for he had many possessions” (Mark 10:22), it gives me a feeling of dread: “Oh no, not this one again, Lord. I can’t possibly sell everything! Am I doomed?” But then I calm down and remind myself that Jesus was calling this specific person to a life of poverty. He doesn’t call all of us to an ascetic life.…
I am troubled now. Yet what should I say? “Father, save me from this hour?” But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” John 12:27-28 Lent is a time when we can practice dying to ourselves. By dying to our own desires, we learn to live this verse: “whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life” (John 12:25). Hating our lives does…
Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. Mark 1:18 What are some things in your life that you have left behind? Your school years? A past job or career path? Certain relationships? In this Sunday’s Gospel passage, we continue the theme of discipleship that we talked about last week. We hear how Jesus called His first disciples and what they left behind to follow Him. Simon and Andrew left behind their livelihood as fishermen…
Letting go of our own plans and ways and trusting in God’s plans and ways is a theme in today’s scripture readings. Detachment from things, preferences, and ideas can help us to fully embrace God’s will. When we have confidence in God’s will for us—when we know that He has our best interests in mind—we will feel more peace and happiness. Imagine that there’s a certain task that you want to accomplish. You’ve thought it…