Deceptive Appearances

Jesus is at it again! 

He asks us to look closely at what people do and the manner in which they conduct themselves.

The scribes - part of the Temple hierarchy - paraded themselves around, demanding respect and assuming the deference of the Jewish people.  Christ didn't suffer these self-important people easily; they were not behaving 'in the beauty of holiness'. 

True humility looks becoming on anyone - more becoming than fine robes or premium seating or unsubstantiated florid prayer styles.  Putting on the mantle of self righteousness is clearly unbecoming.

The widow practiced humility, duty and sacrifice without fanfare or the attention of others, quietly dropping her offering into the treasury. 

No, 'a penny' is not much to put into the treasury but it was her all, not her surplus.

We, too, are challenged to maintain a sense of gratitude and humility for all we have been given and all that we are privileged to give.  God grant us the grace to be instruments of Divine peace, generousity and servanthood!