Disposition of the Heart

The 32nd and 33rd Sundays in Ordinary Time draw us near the end of this season, as the dawn of Advent shines. The Sunday Mass readings focus on interior motivation and the ‘end times.’ Both embrace the call to discipleship whereby the Gospel illumines lives. Jesus calls us to be mindful of interior motives, to recognize the nature of sacrifice and to be prepared for the final days.

From her poverty (Mk 12:38-44)

In this chapter of the Gospel of St. Mark, Jesus is teaching the crowd to be cautious of those who act to be seen, in this case the scribes. These men, who served the Jewish government and temple offices, were highly esteemed, labeled as devout, and knowledgeable. Why did Jesus warn the crowds about the scribes? It is written elsewhere, “Jesus knew what they were thinking” (Mt 9:4). In this situation, he recognized their actions were motivated by pride.

In direct contrast, a poor widow’s actions were authentic. She entered the treasury, a place where the Jewish people are obligated to deposit their coins as payment of the temple tax. The higher number of coins deposited caused a louder sound as the currencies rolled down a metal piece leading to the treasury. (Imagine the sound of the old coin counting machines located in local grocery stores.) The depositing rich appreciated hearing their surplus funds funnel in, all the while knowing others in proximity heard the same, including Jesus. 

The poor widow’s coins resounded with just two beats: Clink. Clink. Without any means to care for herself she gave what was given to her by compassionate givers. She relied on the goodness of others. As she deposited her two coins, Jesus said, “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 widow, detached from that which would seemingly provide for her well-being, gave her whole income.  This reminds me of a story St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta retold of a beggar who donated money for her mission. She knew if she took it, he would have nothing to eat that night. But rather than deny his offering she accepted it because he was so filled with joy. He chose to give to her missionary work. He gave from his livelihood. She received it because he gave it with so much love. The beggar gave to a beggar.

Do I give for the sake of giving or do I give out of love? As followers of Jesus, we are invited to detach from the material and offer our entire livelihood, joyfully, for the sake of the Gospel. Do our actions take place without expectations of honor, power, fame or notice? Material goods and flattery are fleeting, yet Jesus is our provider, our constant, our treasury. Do we realize that even our abilities are gifts from God? Our entire existence is a gift from God? Relying on this, we can eventually detach from earthly presumptions and become attached to the call of the Gospel which leads to a deeper awareness of what truly inspires our actions of prayer, movement, talent and place of treasure. This inspiration leads us to “deposit” from our poverty what God has already provided: deep, authentic, committed faith.

End times (Mk 13:24-32)

The Mass readings from the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time find Jesus telling his disciples of the final coming of the Son of Man in glory. We are reminded of our need to be prepared and watchful for we do not know the hour. These present moments are the end times; an era of hopeful prayer and anticipation of the second coming of Christ. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, “Though already present in his church, Christ’s reign is nevertheless yet to be fulfilled “with power and great glory” by the king’s return to earth (CCC # 671).

You did it to me

St. Mother Teresa consistently reminded volunteers they served that the “fruit of love is service.” In fact, she emphasized that love in action is service. The catechism states, “Jesus announced the judgment of the last day in his preaching. Then will the conduct of each one and the secrets of hearts be brought to light. Our attitude to our neighbor will disclose acceptance or refusal of grace and divine love. On the last day Jesus will say: “Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me” (CCC #678).  Love in action.

According to Jesus, at the end of time the final judgement will seek the disposition of hearts. “When he comes at the end of time to judge the living and the dead, the glorious Christ will reveal the secret disposition of hearts and will render to each man according to his works and according to his acceptance or refusal of grace” (CCC #682). What inspires my actions? Have I accepted the love of God and shared such a same love to others? Do I regularly partake in the sacrament of reconciliation and Eucharist, where grace is plentiful?  What is the disposition of my heart? How can I prepare for the coming of Jesus at the end of the age?

Year of St. Joseph

Loving St. Joseph, by your intercession, we ask for a generous heart, a trusting disposition and a readiness for the coming of our Lord Jesus, whose reign is now and forever. Amen.

Dow is the director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Diocese of Baton Rouge.