A Humble Faith in Recognizing Grace
Today, we turn to the Gospel of Mark to examine two contrasting images: the hypocrisy of the religious leaders, the scribes, and the sincere devotion of a poor widow. Through this passage, Jesus calls us to reflect on the nature of true faith and how to live it.
Let’s first look at the scribes. Jesus describes them, saying, “They like to walk around in long robes, be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets” (Mark 12:38-39). Outwardly, they appear devout, but Jesus exposes their true motives. They seek recognition, admiration, and power. He goes on to rebuke them: “They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers” (Mark 12:40). Instead of using their position to serve others, they exploit the vulnerable to bolster their social standing. It’s this desire for superiority that Jesus warns us against.
The desire for recognition is something we all experience. Children seek their parents’ praise, students aim for their teachers’ approval, and adults often seek recognition in their work. While this desire can motivate us to grow, it can also lead to pride and self-promotion. When our focus shifts from growth to superiority—when we strive to appear “better than others”—we enter a dangerous cycle of comparison. We may judge others harshly, and our faith can become entangled in pride rather than humility.
Today’s society encourages this cycle. Capitalism often tempts us to pursue “better cars, bigger homes, and higher status,” suggesting these are the hallmarks of success. Advertisements tell us that happiness comes from owning the newest or best items. Each release of a new phone or car model reminds us that what we have isn’t “good enough.” This culture teaches us to measure our worth by our possessions, but Jesus offers a different perspective.
In the temple, many wealthy people gave large sums of money. Yet, Jesus directed His praise toward a poor widow who offered only two small coins—worth nearly nothing by today’s standards. Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on” (Mark 12:43-44).
Jesus saw her heart. Her gift, though small, was given in full trust and devotion. Unlike the wealthy, she gave all she had to God, showing her sincere love and humility. Through her example, Jesus teaches us that true value lies not in outward appearances or wealth, but in the sincerity and humility with which we approach God.
In our world, people are often judged by wealth, education, or status, and many people credit their achievements solely to their own efforts. While hard work is essential, we sometimes forget that much of what shapes our lives is beyond our control—our birthplace, family, and opportunities. These factors, too, are gifts from God.
In his book Guns, Germs, and Steel, Jared Diamond explains that a society’s rapid advancement often depends on geography, natural resources, and factors beyond individual control. Likewise, many of our personal conditions are gifts we did not earn but received. Our nationality, family background, education, and talents are blessings from God. Even our health is a precious gift, not guaranteed.
Think about this: the same amount of money can provide a comfortable life in one country but barely meet basic needs in another. This shows that wealth, like many measures of success, is relative. Recognizing this helps us see that our successes and resources are blessings, not entitlements.
The Letter of James reminds us, “But God gives all the more grace; therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble’” (James 4:6). When we see all that we have as a gift, we become more humble. Instead of taking pride in our achievements, we feel grateful for the grace God has given us.
This gratitude leads us to share our blessings and to serve others. Just as Jesus commended the widow’s humble offering, He calls us to approach life with a humble and giving heart. This doesn’t require grand gestures or large sums of money. It’s often shown through small, simple acts—helping a neighbor, offering words of kindness, or giving thanks daily for what we have. True humility and gratitude are reflected in our willingness to love and serve those around us.
Let us hold close the humility and devotion shown by the poor widow in today’s passage. May we recognize that all we possess is a gift from God and live with grateful, humble hearts.
Let us aspire for our lives to be instruments of God’s glory, channels through which grace and love flow to others. Our humility and gratitude allow us to connect with others more deeply, to serve them genuinely, and to uplift each other as children of God.
Finally, let us be reminded by Micah 6:8: “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Instead of comparing ourselves to others, let us strive to walk alongside our neighbors, cultivating love and compassion and living a life filled with humility and thankfulness.
May we practice a faith that embraces and serves others, offering gratitude for the grace that God so freely gives.
Amen.