Mark 12: 38-44

1. The scribes are presented as ostentatious and devious, acting more out of self-interest than the love of God or people. There can be an element of self-interest in each of us. Perhaps there have been times when you have been disturbed by glimpsing in yourself ‘other motives' in your doing good. Recall when you were awakened to this fact. Where was the good news for you in that awakening?

2. In material terms, what the widow had to offer was very little. Recall when you felt yourself called to give, and gave even though you apparently had very little. Perhaps you have had the experience of finding that what you thought was little and insignificant meant a great deal to another person. Recall some of those moments.

3. The widow ‘gave everything she had, all she had to live on'. In doing so she placed herself in a very vulnerable position, trusting that things would work out. Have you ever found that what seemed a generous but reckless giving of yourself proved life-giving for yourself and others?