According to Mark's Gospel, two related passages that we are reflecting upon for this Sunday bring us towards the end of Jesus’ public ministry and mission among us.

First, Jesus condemned the scribes, the expert interpreters of the law. As such, they feel they are expected to be perfect models of that law. Jesus says they go around wearing long robes and expect greetings in the marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets.

Jesus calls these leaders as hypocrites. They devour widows' houses" while, at the same time, making a show of lengthy prayers. They were the opposite of everything Jesus proposed as the way to love and serve God. They emphasized the external appearance rather than the inner spirit. They thought only of what they could get through their privileged position rather than what they could share, especially with those in need.

Second, Jesus's response and message while observing a poor widow put 2 small coins in the treasury.  Note that widowhood was an extremely vulnerable state in ancient Israelite society. No provision was made for women whose husbands died before them. Considered inferior to other women, frequently poor, sometimes reduced to servitude, and often harshly treated, they had no recourse under the law. They were solely dependent on God's providence and others' charity.

Jesus draws the attention of his disciples by pointing out that the poor woman had gave more than all the others combined. The rich gave what they could easily spare, while the poor widow sacrifice her whole livelihood (two small coins). It was an act of total trust in God's providence and care for her.

This anonymous poor widow is, in a way, a symbol of Jesus himself. He also will "empty himself" and give away everything, including his life, out of love for his Father and us. It is no accident that the story is placed here as Jesus enters his final days.

Today's two incidents both provide matters for us to reflect on. Do we put on "our garments of Christianity" just for the sake of external appearance only? Looking good, thirst for honor, hand clapping, and recognition from others?  Let us be holy by purifying our inner freedom to serve and love God and others wholeheartedly. For Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God”. Let us be generous like the poor widow. Ask the Lord through our prayer to have a generous heart.

Sharing or giving should be done not because we want our names published or to feel good. Instead, giving is what keeps us alive. Giving is what makes us happy – not just getting. Giving is a call for every Christian. Taking Jesus as our perfect example, giving His life for us sinners.

As PCP-II (the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines) had said, nobody is so impoverished that he cannot give. It is not that because we are poor, we cannot give. Every person is capable of sharing no matter how poor or needy he/she is. In other words, it is about generosity and 'giving until it hurts.'