1 Kgs 17:10-16; Heb. 9:24-28; Mk. 12:38-44
In the first section, Jesus warns against the scribes, who represent the religious elite of the time. These scribes wore long robes, relished greetings of respect in public spaces, and sought prominent seats at gatherings. However, Jesus reveals that their intentions are corrupted by selfishness and pride. They exploit the vulnerable, such as widows, using long, public prayers as a display of piety rather than genuine worship. His message to the crowd and His disciples is to beware of such hypocrisy, as those who misuse their position of spiritual authority will face greater judgment.
In the Old Testament, we encounter figures who, like the scribes, misused their positions of power. Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of Eli the priest, serve as tragic examples of leaders who abused their positions of authority. As priests in the house of the Lord at Shiloh, Hophni and Phinehas were entrusted with leadingthe people
in worship and sacrifices, roles that came with profound responsibility and honor. However, instead of respecting their sacred duties, they acted with greed and selfishness. They took the best portions of the offerings for themselves, even before they were offered to God. This disregard for the sanctity of worship showed not only contempt for God’s law but also a disregard for the people they were meant to serve.Despite numerous warnings, both from God and from their father Eli, they continued their corrupt ways. Their actions brought disgrace upon their priestly role, and eventually, God’s judgment fell upon them: they both died in battle, and Eli’s family lost their place in the priesthood. Hophni and Phinehas exemplify how pride and selfishness in leadership lead to downfall and disgrace. Their story is a stark reminder of the accountability that comes with positions of spiritual authority and the grave consequences of abusing that trust.
A similar lesson is found in folk tales across cultures. In a small village ruled by a king, there lived a minister known for his intelligence and cunning, but also for his greed. Over time, he became less interested in serving the king and his people faithfully, and more focused on amassing wealth and status.
One day, he announced that each family in the village must contribute a gold coin as a “token of appreciation” for his leadership. The villagers, fearing his wrath and the influence he wielded over the king, reluctantly complied. Many of them were poor and could hardly afford food for their families, but they sacrificed what little they had to fulfil the minister’s demand, believing that this tribute would at least bring peace.
The minister continued to trouble the villagers. When the king came to know of this he ordered an investigation, and the truth quickly surfaced. The villagers, once too afraid to speak out, now courageously shared stories of the minister’s greedy demands. Seeing the suffering he had caused, the king stripped the minister of his title and returned all the wealth he had taken back to the villagers.
A contemporary example of the misuse of power in leadership can be seen in corporate scandals where executives abuse their authority to serve their interests at the expense of employees, shareholders, and the public. One such case is the 2001 Enron scandal, which involved unethical practices by the company’s top leadership, ultimately leading to the collapse of one of America’s largest corporations.
Enron Corporation, once a highly successful energy company, became infamous for financial manipulation and corporate corruption under the leadership of CEO Jeffrey Skilling and Chairman Kenneth Lay. To present the company as exceptionally profitable and boost its stock price, Enron's executives employed accounting tactics that hid the company's mounting debts and exaggerated its profits. Through the use of complex accounting practices, they created a false image of success, deceiving investors, employees, and the public.
Executives encouraged employees to invest in Enron’s stock, assuring them of its stability and growth. Many employees poured their savings and retirement funds into the company, trusting its leadership. Meanwhile, executives cashed out their own stocks, knowing that the company’s financial situation was unsustainable and likely to crumble. When Enron eventually declared bankruptcy, the employees lost their savings and pensions, while top executives walked away with millions.
The scandal had severe consequences. Thousands of employees lost their jobs, shareholders lost billions of dollars, and Arthur Andersen, Enron's auditing firm, was effectively dissolved due to its complicity. The Enron collapse led to changes in financial regulations and corporate governance, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which aimed to prevent similar abuses of power and restore accountability in corporate leadership.
Jesus’ warning speaks to us today. In various forms of leadership—whether in ministry, workplaces, or even family settings—it’s easy to let respect and admiration feed into pride. True leadership, however, is marked by humility and care for others, particularly the vulnerable. Notable leaders such as Mother Teresa and Mahatma Gandhi earned respect not by demanding it, but by serving humbly.
Mother Teresa often spoke about serving in humility, seeing herself as a “pencil in God’s hand.” Her selfless work among the poorest of the poor reflects the stark contrast between genuine piety and self-serving hypocrisy. Her life reminds us of the call to serve sincerely, for the approval that matters comes from God, not from people.
The second part of the passage shifts to a more intimate moment as Jesus observes people putting money into the temple treasury. Many wealthy individuals contribute large sums, but Jesus’ attention turns to a poor widow who offers two small coins—essentially, everything she has. Jesus praises her, not because of the monetary value, but because her gift is an act of complete trust and devotion.
This widow’s act mirrors stories from the Old Testament that celebrate giving even from meager means. Consider the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:7-16). Despite her dire poverty, this widow gives Elijah the last of her food. Her willingness to give amidst scarcity is rewarded as God miraculously provides for her, showing that when we give sincerely, God honors our sacrifice.
In a well-known Indian folk tale, a poor farmer offers his last portion of rice to a hungry beggar. In return, he is blessed beyond measure, not because of the size of his gift, but the spirit in which he gave it. These stories remind us that acts of love and generosity carry value far beyond their material worth.
One touching story of someone sharing their limited means with others comes from the life of Mother Teresa, whose compassion toward those with nothing inspired countless people. Even before founding the Missionaries of Charity, she lived in the slums of Calcutta, India, dedicating herself to helping those in need. She was known for her habit of giving away everything she had, even when it left her with nothing.
One day, Mother Teresa encountered a young mother with a small child who was clearly starving. The woman had not eaten in days, as there was no food in her home. Without hesitation, Mother Teresa went to a local bakery and begged for bread. The baker gave her only a small piece, which she took back to the woman and her child. Instead of eating it herself, the young mother broke the bread in half and gave part of it to a stranger standing nearby who was also hungry.
Mother Teresa was deeply moved. Here was a mother with almost nothing, who had not tasted food in days, yet she shared even her last crumb with another person in need. This simple act showed the depth of the woman’s compassion, her understanding of suffering, and her willingness to ease the pain of another, despite her own desperate circumstances.
Reflecting on the incident, Mother Teresa would later say, “We can do no great things; only small things with great love.”
This story resonates as a powerful example of sacrificial love and generosity, reminding us that true charity is about sharing, even when it costs us dearly. It’s an inspiration to extend kindness and compassion to others, not just from our abundance, but from our very substance.
Small acts of kindness don’t require much, but they make a difference. Offering a genuine compliment, letting someone go ahead of you in line, helping carry groceries, or simply holding the door open with a smile—these actions create warmth and positivity in everyday life. Being aware of others around us, especially those who may be struggling, allows us to see these small opportunities to make someone’s day better.
Satish