The Penny

Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

For a shorter option of today’s Gospel reading, please visit:  http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings

Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family

(B) Mark 12:38-44- In the course of his teaching Jesus said to the crowds, "Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation."

He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. 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. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood."

(Parent)  Reread this part a few times aloud

“Amen I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury.”

(Parent)  Read this meditation aloud to the family

There is something humorous about thinking of the Lord sitting down “observing how” others donated money.  (Though for some people who haven’t practiced generosity in giving, this might actually be a bit unsettling, instead of being humorous.)  Nevertheless, Jesus watches how we give.

It should be noted by Christians, who are asked to give with generosity toward the Church, its missions, and those in need, that during His Public Ministry Jesus relied on the financial provision of believers (Luke 8:3).  The mission of Jesus Christ was helped by the financial generosity of lay members of the Church. The mission of Jesus Christ is still helped today by the financial generosity of lay members of the Church.  Are we giving to further this mission?  Where?

Together as a family pray a portion of the Rosary (i.e. – very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture above.  (Optional – allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer)