Reflection by Rev. Leonard N. Peterson
When most of us think of an “observatory” I venture we picture a large domed building erected on a mountain, enclosing a great telescope built to study the stars and planets. Admittedly there are other kinds of observatories used to study terrestrial and marine events. So, we also have them for studying climatology, geophysics, oceanography and volcanology. But outer space probing is likely the most appealing model.
Of course, we need only our human eyes to observe each other. But what if human eyes were to be coupled with the divine? Then we would have the most unique set for observing everyone. Only Jesus had those.
In today’s Gospel passage, St. Mark presents the sharp contrast that Jesus observed watching Temple donors. He noted the hypocritical scribes making a great show. But He was taken by the poor widow making her contribution. With His divine eyes working with the human, He “saw” unbounded generosity in that lady’s donation. He as “Master” then pointed that out to His disciples that day. He still points it out to us today.
No doubt there is wonderful generosity among us today. None of the charitable works of the Church could be accomplished without it. But it is well for us to remember that generosity is not limited to money. There is also a generosity of spirit. Call it a mindset that acknowledges that since everything we have comes from God, why cling to it as if it comes from ourselves? If we don’t think that way we’re headed for trouble. It could even keep heaven closed to us.
Anyone observing the way we live should recognize that we are Christians. Our “Observer in Chief” is Jesus Christ, our loving God. He is not only the One ultimately responsible for it all, but whose grace infuses us with His spirit. Unless we choose to block it.
Once upon a time, a family sat down at the breakfast table following Sunday morning Mass. “The homily was boring today,” said the teenage son. “Yeah, could you believe how Father stumbled over the reading of the Gospel?” his sister chimed in. “I’ve got to admit it was an uninspiring day,” said Mother. “The choir was terrible.” Finally, father, showing his leadership, said, “Hush, you guys. Quit complaining. What do you expect for three dollars?”
God love you and give you His generosity.
Rev. Peterson’s Reading & Gospel Summary
Reading I: I Kings 17: 10-16
The widow obeys Elijah’s order and is rewarded with divine providence acting in her favor for a year. Such is the devotion of the humble.
Reading II: Hebrews 9: 24-28
Jesus’ sacrifice of Himself was the perfect one as High Priest for all time. It did not require repetition to do further good because it took away all sins.
The Gospel: Mark 12: 38-44, or 12: 41-44
The two characters featured here, the scribe and the widow, are starkly contrasted. Jesus favors the poor widow He had observed donating her whole livelihood to the temple treasury.