Saturday of Week 9 in Ordinary Time
First Reading
2 Timothy 4:1–8
Before God and before Christ Jesus who is to be judge of the living and the dead, I put this duty to you, in the name of his Appearing and of his kingdom: proclaim the message and, welcome or unwelcome, insist on it.
Refute falsehood, correct error, call to obedience – but do all with patience and with the intention of teaching.
The time is sure to come when, far from being content with sound teaching, people will be avid for the latest novelty and collect themselves a whole series of teachers according to their own tastes; and then, instead of listening to the truth, they will turn to myths.
Be careful always to choose the right course; be brave under trials; make the preaching of the Good News your life's work, in thoroughgoing service.
As for me, my life is already being poured away as a libation, and the time has come for me to be gone.
I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith; all there is to come now is the crown of righteousness reserved for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that Day; and not only to me but to all those who have longed for his Appearing.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 70(71):8–9,14–17,22
I will sing of your salvation.
My lips are filled with your praise,
with your glory all the day long.
Do not reject me now that I am old;
when my strength fails do not forsake me.
I will sing of your salvation.
But as for me, I will always hope
and praise you more and more.
My lips will tell of your justice
and day by day of your help.
I will sing of your salvation.
I will declare the Lord's mighty deeds
proclaiming your justice, yours alone.
O God, you have taught me from my youth
and I proclaim your wonders still.
I will sing of your salvation.
Gospel
Mark 12:38–44
In his teaching Jesus said,
‘Beware of the scribes who like to walk about in long robes, to be greeted obsequiously in the market squares, to take the front seats in the synagogues and the places of honour at banquets; these are the men who swallow the property of widows, while making a show of lengthy prayers. The more severe will be the sentence they receive.’
He sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the treasury, and many of the rich put in a great deal.
A poor widow came and put in two small coins, the equivalent of a penny.
Then he called his disciples and said to them,
‘I tell you solemnly, this poor widow has put more in than all who have contributed to the treasury; for they have all put in money they had over, but she from the little she had has put in everything she possessed, all she had to live on.’
Reflection
Today's readings bring together two of the most moving examples of discipleship found in Scripture.
The first comes from Saint Paul.
As he writes his final letter, he knows that his earthly life is drawing to a close. Yet there is no fear, regret, or bitterness. There is peace.
Paul looks back and sees a life poured out for Christ.
"I have fought the good fight."
"I have run the race to the finish."
"I have kept the faith."
These words are not expressions of pride but of gratitude. Paul recognises that every victory came through God's grace.
The Catechism teaches that perseverance in faith is itself sustained by grace and requires continual cooperation with God (CCC 162, 2016). Paul's confidence rests not in his own strength but in the faithfulness of Christ.
His example challenges us to consider our own journey.
If our lives ended today, could we say we remained faithful?
Not perfect.
Faithful.
The Gospel presents another example.
A poor widow approaches the treasury unnoticed by almost everyone except Jesus.
Her gift is tiny.
Two small coins.
Yet Christ declares that she has given more than everyone else.
Why?
Because God measures differently.
Human beings often measure by size, influence, recognition, or appearance.
God measures love.
The rich gave from surplus.
The widow gave from sacrifice.
She entrusted everything she had to God.
This reflects the heart of true discipleship. The Catechism teaches that genuine charity involves self-giving love that mirrors Christ's own sacrifice (CCC 1822–1829).
The widow's offering points us toward Jesus Himself.
Soon Christ will offer not two coins but His entire life upon the Cross.
Everything.
Holding nothing back.
Paul's faithful endurance and the widow's complete trust reveal the same truth:
Holiness is not about extraordinary achievements.
Holiness is about offering ourselves completely to God.
Whether through years of faithful service like Paul or simple acts of trust like the widow, the Lord sees the heart.
And the Lord never overlooks what is offered in love.
One line to carry
Lord, teach me to give You everything and remain faithful until the end.
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