The Poor Widow’s Contribution

Today's Reflections

          

The Poor Widow’s Contribution 

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Lk 21:1-4

¹When [Jesus] looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury ²and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. ³He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; ⁴for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”

Reflection:

A poor widow putting in two small coins. Souvenir programs of parish festivities prominently display the big patrons and benefactors. The small donors are usually lumped together in a list set in small print.

In the Gospel, instead, Jesus highlights the donation of a widow that is the smallest of all. He notices her dropping her small coins and comments, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest.” Why? “Those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.” In other words, she has made a greater sacrifice than the others. For God, who sees the heart, values not only the amount of our contributions but our generosity of heart when we give.

We often say, “Give till it hurts.” Blessed Teresa of Calcutta said, “Give till it no longer hurts.”

When you get used to generous giving,

the giving becomes a joy.