GOSPEL – MK 12:38-44
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.”
The Catechism of the Catholic Church
2544 Jesus enjoins his disciples to prefer him to everything and everyone, and bids them “renounce all that [they have]” for his sake and that of the Gospel. Shortly before his passion he gave them the example of the poor widow of Jerusalem who, out of her poverty, gave all that she had to live on. The precept of detachment from riches is obligatory for entrance into the Kingdom of heaven.
From “The Ark of the New Covenant” Testimony of Catalina Rivas (ARK-48:7)
7) Finally, the bread symbolizes poverty. The person, who believes that he is poor because he only possesses a room where he finds shelter, is mistaken. What is important is that he not be attached to the worldly matters, whether they be things or persons. He who puts Me before anything, can live in a palace or be poor. If he has much, he gives thanks. If he loses it, he still thanks his God… The reality of poverty is that your spirit is not consumed by worldly matters but rather it allows you to run freely towards your Lord… The essence of poverty is to know how to be happy with what you have but to give it back to your God at whatever hour, since the gifts are His…
Each week we will be presenting a portion of the following Sunday’s readings, and linking it to relevant parts of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and messages from the Testimony of Catalina. Pay special attention to the italicized underlined sections. This week Jesus teaches us about poverty and giving. We hope this is inspiring and educational. Any comments you have are certainly welcomed.
Tim Francis prepared this educational program to help you increase your faith and love for the Holy Trinity and our Blessed Mother. His website is http://YouShallBelieve.com
I have known Tim for many years and recommend his work highly. He is a strong advocate for the “The Real Body and Blood Of Jesus” and the numerous miracles that occur on a daily basis. Both of us are greatly inspired by the amazing writings of Catalina Rivas.
Catalina is one of the few individuals in history who personally experienced the “Stigmata Of Jesus Christ.” The video below was broadcast on FOX TV.
Link to materials for You Shall Believe: http://sciencetestsfaithtools.