Action not just words
2 Timothy 4:1-8; Psalm 71; Mark 12:38-44
In today’s first reading (2 Timothy 4:1-8), St. Paul gives Timothy a solemn charge: “Preach the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient.” The message is clear: every Christian is called to be a witness. Witness is our mission. The world needs more than Christians who attend church; it needs Christians whose lives preach Christ.
The question is not, “Do you believe in Jesus?” but “Can others see Jesus in you?”
In the Gospel, Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of the scribes who loved attention, titles, and public admiration. Then He points to a poor widow who quietly drops two small coins into the treasury. The scribes wanted to be seen; the widow wanted to give. One performed faith; the other lived faith.
Are we more concerned about looking holy or being holy? God is not impressed by our appearances, positions, or public displays. He wants our hearts. And for many of us, that is the most difficult offering to make.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, make our lives a true witness to Your Gospel. Deliver us from hypocrisy, pride, and the desire for human praise. Give us the generous heart of the poor widow, so that we may offer You not just our gifts, but our entire lives. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
