He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor Widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them,” Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of heir abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all that she had to live on”. Mark 12: 41-44
Lent is a time for repentance, prayer, preparation and deprivation. These traits are highlighted in Mark's Gospel. This story also appears in the Gospel of Luke. When we were children one of the big questions we asked or were asked was “What are you giving up for Lent?”
How often do we give from our abundance? Someone once said give until it feels good. That is good advice. Whether we are giving money, time, talent, service to others or giving kindness.
Prayer: Dear Lord God, thank you for all the gifts you have given to us. Help us to realize that all things belong to you and we are required to share what we have with others. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Kathy Kuehn (reprinted from the 2017 Lenten devotional)
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