Now that Reformation Day and All Saints are past, we move quickly to the end of the church year, and the end of the year reminds us to be prepared for the coming kingdom. The themes of the Scripture lessons, especially the Gospels reflect this. Jesus teaches in Jerusalem and warns His hearers to be right with God in several ways. We see this in our short selection from Mark 12:38-44. In Mark 12:38-40, our Lord points to a negative example, the honored and prosperous scribes or religious scholars of Jerusalem. Most of them hypocritically pretend to be pious, but underneath the surface, they are morally corrupt. And because of their false piety, they will face severe judgment.
In Mark 12: 41-44, Christ points to a positive example, a poor pious widow. Both socially and economically, she is near the bottom of Jerusalem society. Yet, her piety is strong and sincere. She gives from her little to worship God in a truly sacrificial way. Her small contribution is greater than the larger gifts of the respected, powerful, and wealthy.
The prosperous but hypocritical scribes are not prepared for God's kingdom, but the poor simple widow is morally and spiritually prepared. Regardless of our social or economic status, may the grace of God touch our hearts and lead us to sincere faith. Only such faith and devotion prepare us for the kingdom of God.
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