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Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set
First Reading (Ruth 3:1-5: 4:13-17)
Back home near Bethlehem, Naomi urges her widowed daughter-in-law Ruth to get the attention of Boaz, one of her own kin. Ruth, herself a foreigner, obeys, marries Boaz and bears his son Obed, the grandfather of king David. And so Naomi again has a “son”.
Psalm (127)
All human efforts, says the Psalmist, are futile unless the Lord is behind and in them, for all good things come from him. This includes sons: they bring honour to their happy father and the more the merrier.
Second Reading (Hebrews 9:21-28)
Christ, our high priest, entered the true sanctuary in heaven and into the very presence of God for us. His sacrifice, unlike earthly ones, was once and for all. He came to remove sin by his self-offering and will appear a second time to save those waiting for him.
Gospel (Mark 12:38-44)
Jesus teaches that those scribes who make a show of religion for the sake of their social status and yet routinely abuse widows will be harshly condemned. He says the little put into the temple treasury by a poor widow is more than all that the rich contribute.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- Those who are most in need get most of God’s attention
- Worldly wealth and heavenly wealth have an inverse relationship
- Children are a gift from God
- God is at work in history to accomplish his purposes
Based on the Alternative Readings
First Reading (1 Kings 17:8-16)
During his forecasted drought, Elijah asks a poor widow for bread even though she is about to make a last meal for her and her son from the little she has. He promises that the Lord will ensure that her supply will outlast the drought. She agrees and it comes true.
Psalm (146)
The Psalmist will praise the Lord all his days because, unlike human beings, the Lord is not changeable and will always keep his promises. He provides justice for the oppressed, reversing their plight, while watching over strangers, widows and orphans.
Second Reading (Hebrews 9:21-28)
Christ, our high priest, entered the true sanctuary in heaven and into the very presence of God for us. His sacrifice, unlike earthly ones, was once and for all. He came to remove sin by his self-offering and will appear a second time to save those waiting for him.
Gospel (Mark 12:38-44)
Jesus teaches that those scribes who make a show of religion for the sake of their social status and yet routinely abuse widows will be harshly condemned. He says the little put into the temple treasury by a poor widow is more than all that the rich contribute.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- Those who are most in need get most of God’s attention
- Worldly wealth and heavenly wealth have an inverse relationship
- The Lord will honour our sacrifice for him
- God is at work in history to accomplish his purposes