This coming Sunday is the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, the story of “The Widow’s Mite.”   41 He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, ‘Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. 44 For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.’ Continue reading →

This coming Sunday is the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, the story of “The Widow’s Mite.” The text has a one verse summary of the scribes: 40 They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext, recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation. Continue reading →

This coming Sunday is the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, the story of “The Widow’s Mite.” 38 In the course of his teaching he said, ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, 39 seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext, recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation.’ Continue reading →

This coming Sunday is the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, the story of “The Widow’s Mite.” Lurking in the background of our reading is the first-century Jewish system of levirate marriages (Gen 38 and Deut 25:5-10). In short, if a man dies without leaving a son, his widow is forbidden to marry outside his family. One of her deceased husband’s brothers must assume the duty of the levir, taking her as his wife. The first male of this second union is considered the son of the deceased brother. Continue reading →

This coming Sunday is the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, lectionary cycle B. The selection for the Gospel readings for the latter part of Ordinary Time (Year B) do not necessarily help readers place the events in a context. From the 24th Sunday up through the 30th Sunday we have read from the core of Mark’s gospel (chapters 8-10). Within those readings we have watched a pattern repeat itself: (a) Jesus predicts his passion, death, and resurrection; (b) the disciples either protest the prediction or seemingly grasp for prestige, places of glory, or authority; and (c) Jesus privately teaches the disciples how the Kingdom will different than their expectations – one must serve, be last, be as a child. Continue reading →