At that time: In his teaching Jesus said to the crowd, ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the market-places, and have the best seats in the synagogues, and the places of honour at feasts, who devour widows’ houses, and, for a pretence, make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.’
  And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, ‘Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.’

In this Gospel, Jesus contrasts two attitudes of the heart: the appearance of the scribes, who seek recognition, prestige and the approval of others, and the quiet self-giving of the poor widow, who offers all that she has. In this way, He invites us to examine how we live out our love and self-giving. Because we too can fall into the temptation of doing things in the hope that our spouse, our family or others will recognise our efforts, when what truly matters is not what appears important in human eyes, but the love we put into it, the intention of the heart.
In married life, this means giving ourselves to our spouse not only when it is easy or convenient, but especially in the small things of everyday life. The Lord does not ask us for great acts of heroism or extraordinary demonstrations of love, but for a total gift of the heart. True communion is built through the willingness to give oneself completely to the other each day. Sometimes what we offer may seem little: time, patient listening, forgiveness, service, giving up our own way, seeking the good of the other… But when it comes from a heart that gives itself without reserve, it has infinite value before God. Love in a matrimony grows when each spouse chooses to give themselves entirely, trusting that God sustains and multiplies that self-giving. Only through a total gift of ourselves to our spouse will we be truly happy.

Applied to Married Life:

Jessica: Praying with this Gospel has touched me deeply. I can see that Jesus does not look at the amount the widow gives, but at the love and trust with which she offers her few coins.
Martin: Well, it makes me think about our marriage. I wonder whether I really only give what is comfortable for me. Because sometimes I focus on doing big things, but forget to give you my time, my attention and my heart.
Jessica: It’s true, Martin. Sometimes we forget that marriage consists in a total gift of self. And when I look at my daily life, I realise that at times I offer time, affection or service only when I have energy left over.
Martin: The widow gives everything she had to live on. She gives everything, Jessica! I feel that the Lord is asking me to give you my heart, to trust more and not keep parts of myself in reserve.
Jessica: And He invites me to offer myself joyfully, without keeping score, and to make every small sacrifice for you an offering of love and an opportunity to grow in communion.
Martin: May our love be a sincere offering to God in every ordinary detail of life.
Jessica: Amen.

Mother,

teach us to give ourselves completely, in silence, without keeping score, as You did here on earth, and as You continue to do. Blessed and glorious are You, Mother! Praised be the Lord for ever!

At that time: As Jesus taught in the Temple, he said, ‘How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared, “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet.’ ” David himself calls him Lord. So how is he his son?’ And the great throng heard him gladly.

Son of God

Jesus surpasses our expectations, even for those who were awaiting a Messiah to free them from Roman rule. He is much more. Do we still regard Jesus as a “problem solver”? We must recognise that He is much more: He is the Son of God, who came to redeem us and to show us the way to Heaven: self-giving and sacrifice, to the very last drop of blood and expecting nothing in return. And how can I ever repay such love poured out for me? By loving my husband, my children, my family, my colleagues at work… as He loves me, especially when they deserve it least.

Applied to Married Life:

(Returning from a pilgrimage)
Penny: What wonderful days we’ve spent with our Marriage group, so close to the Lord. It has been a blessing.
Matthew: Absolutely! And now that we’re heading home, I think we should place our family in Our Lady’s hands. May we know how to pass on everything that the Holy Spirit has poured into our hearts. It has been abundant beyond measure.
Penny: What a blessing! You’re absolutely right, I can’t wait to get home so I can share all the fire I carry within me with the rest of the family.
Matthew: But we already know from previous occasions that as soon as we get home, temptations of every kind will start raining down on us.
Penny: Oh dear! I remember the last time. The little one with gastroenteritis, Ryan with all his homework unfinished, and Molly who had spent the entire weekend glued to her mobile…
Matthew: And my mother recounting everything that had happened. She kept saying to us, “This is where you should have been, here with your children, and not spending all day praying!”
Penny: Well, if it sounds good to you, let’s pray the Rosary, asking for each one of them. May the Holy Spirit enlighten us and help us give each person what they need.
Matthew: That sounds like a brilliant plan. Let’s hold tightly to His hand; with Her by our side, we need not be afraid. Let’s also pray for all the young people and children who are sitting exams these days, and for their families and teachers.
Penny: Amen!

Mother:

May we know how to give thanks to the Lord for every gift He has given us, and may we know how to respond to each one within our vocation. Blessed and praised be the Lord, our God, in the Most Holy Sacrament of the altar!