Saturday, June 5, 2021 - Ninth week in Ordinary Time - Blessed are the poor in heart, for the kingdom of Heaven is theirs - Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 12, 38-44

Two very distinct teachings can be learned from today's gospel.

First, the teaching that Jesus addresses directly to the scribes. The scribes are a class of highly educated people, scholars of the law. But Jesus, notice their actions do not match their words so much. In addition, the long prayers they are used to saying are only a facade to attract the attention of others and especially to cover the evil they do. It is not so much to rebuke the scribes that Jesus gives this teaching, but rather to warn us against vanity and pride. Also, let us take his example from him by turning away from miraculous glories and by putting ourselves at the service of others out of love. Particularly, for us who have any office in the Church, let us avoid taking advantage of our responsibilities to assert ourselves and oppress others.

Then, by observing the way in which the crowd made the offering, since in his time it was done in public, Jesus wants to challenge us that the quantity is not the criterion to evaluate the offering. It is the sincere and generous gift of what is essential to us that is of value in the sight of God.

Finally, we are on the eve of celebrating the feast of the Blessed Sacrament, in union with the universal Church, may Jesus the Eucharist be praised forever, who gave himself entirely.