Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Saturday of the 9th week in ordinary time
June 5, 2021
Memorial of Saint Boniface, bishop and martyr
Reading is delivered by Wilson Tan from Saint John Bosco Church in Jakarta, Indonesia, and meditation delivered by Margareth Sembiring from Saint Francis of Assisi Church in Singapore.
The reading is taken from the holy Gospel according to Mark
(12:38-44)
In the course of his teaching Jesus said,
“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 Gospel of the Lord.
The theme for our meditation today is: Religion of Ambition, Promotion and Position. Human tendencies to become ambitious, to promote oneself and to acquire a better position are parts of human nature. In embracing a religion and living up to the spirit of that religion, these natural tendencies also have their influences in the life of believers.
The Lord Jesus forbids us to follow in the path of faith with ambition, arrogance, and power or position seeking. Jesus himself had never been in that way of life. His own life was to fight against all kinds of ambition, pride and thirst for power. Religious leaders, scholars, scribes and the Pharisees were mostly known for this type of living out their faith.
And so, Jesus’ warning to us is that we avoid the tendency to: 1) have a very high desire or ambition to be important and be given priority; 2) always want to promote oneself or to go for attention to be known and recognized and respected by others; 3) always try to use position or power, even from the spiritual side, for personal gain only.
The followers of Christ should work and serve in all humility for the good of others rather than with ambitions to fulfill their personal interests. If we can reveal or promote the goodness of others and the pride of our common or universal values, instead of mere self-seeking interest, we actually practice what the true love requires. If we can use any position or power attached to us for sincere service and responsible care for those entrusted to us, it’s definitely an expression of love.
These three natural tendencies are rooted in pride, which is one of the 7 capital sins in human beings. If this pride can be overcome, its subordinate sins will not develop either. There are two ways to remove pride according to today’s readings inspiration. This can be said as the way of martyrdom, as Saint Boniface had also done in his own way and time.
First, we should always praise and thank God. Archangel Rafael had taught Tobit and his family to make this as daily spiritual food. If we are busy with God and His works we will forget to be proud and have ambitions for anything.
The second is on the humility as a fundamental Christian way of life. Jesus gave us an example by presenting the poor widow who gave her contribution to the temple which was very small but had a great value. Humility encourages us to do and offer something even though simple but useful for others and our common good.
Let’s pray. In the name of the Father… Bless and strengthen us, O Lord Jesus Christ, so that we may always be humble, simple and sincere like You. Glory to the Father… In the name of the Father…