Denunciation of the
Scribes and The Poor Widow’s Contribution
MK 12:38-44 or 12:41-44
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 honor in synagogues,
and places of honor 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."