GOSPEL OF THE DAY

From the Gospel according to Mark

Mk 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 honour in synagogues,

and places of honour 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.”

The word of the Lord.

 

Empowering Gaze

Fortunately for me, God doesn’t measure by objective standards but by the intention and heart we put into what we offer. This is the Heart of Jesus, who loves me so much that He wants to feel loved by me. He eagerly looks for any small desire, any small gesture I make to Him, to give infinite value in His Heart and present it to the Father. Today, I see His overflowing generosity, not only in what He gives me but also in how He makes shine every small act of love I offer to Him or to my husband.

Give me a heart like Yours, Lord, so that I may appreciate my husband’s acts of love with that empowering gaze of Your Mercy.

 

Applied to Married Life

Miryan: When I learned from Saint John Paul that, as a wife, I should receive your love as my husband—not by my own standards, but by God’s standard—I asked the Lord to grant me this, and I began to contemplate your acts of love from His perspective. I used to see them as small and insignificant, and I dismissed them for that reason, but the Lord is helping me truly savour them.

Juan: That’s beautiful, Miryan. Thank you for sharing this with me. It’s true I’m not very detail-oriented and a bit rough around the edges, but I want to improve in how I show my love to you.

Miryan: Don’t worry, Juan; I see your efforts and enjoy your good intentions toward me. I’ve also realised you love me far more than I imagined. I love you just as you are.

Juan: Thank you for valuing me so much and for recognising the love I have for you in my heart. I love you deeply.

 

Mother,

How much you elevate and beautify each act of love I offer to You and to my husband. May we look at each other this way as a married couple. Praised be the Lord who does so much with so little.