Mark 12:41-44
Jesus 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.
What is true religion and devotion to God? Jesus warns his
disciples against the wrong kind of religion. In his denunciation of the
scribes (the religious experts of his day), he warns against three things: the
desire for prominence rather than selfless service; the desire for deference
and recognition (and seeking esteem from others) rather than seeking to promote
the good of others through humble service and love; and thirdly, attempting to
use one’s position (even a religious position) for self-gain and self-advancement.
True religion is relating rightly to God and to one’s neighbor with love,
honor, and respect. The Lord puts his Holy Spirit within us that we may be
filled with the joy of his presence, the joy of true worship, and the joy of
selfless giving and love for others. True reverence for God frees the heart to
give liberally, both to God and to neighbor.-Don Schwager, dailyreadings.net
Although I've been out of nursing practice because of so much military training, this is what I desire so deeply. I want to give myself selflessly to my patients. I want to be their Christ on earth. I like this reflection on this reading because it's such a military reading. So many high ranking officers only use their rank for more prominence instead of the selfless service that is supposed to be instilled within their values. Time and time again we see people who fail to live up to their potential all because they failed to recognize their greatness does not come from them but from their Creator. They failed to recognize their neighbor that needs their leadership not their rank. They are a leader for others, not for self gain or money or pride.
"the formation does not exist for you, you exist for the formation"
"True reverence for God frees the heart to give liberally, both to God and to neighbor"
So free your heart!
Although I've been out of nursing practice because of so much military training, this is what I desire so deeply. I want to give myself selflessly to my patients. I want to be their Christ on earth. I like this reflection on this reading because it's such a military reading. So many high ranking officers only use their rank for more prominence instead of the selfless service that is supposed to be instilled within their values. Time and time again we see people who fail to live up to their potential all because they failed to recognize their greatness does not come from them but from their Creator. They failed to recognize their neighbor that needs their leadership not their rank. They are a leader for others, not for self gain or money or pride.
"the formation does not exist for you, you exist for the formation"
"True reverence for God frees the heart to give liberally, both to God and to neighbor"
So free your heart!
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