Out Of Her Poverty

 

Mk 12:38-44

Warning Against the Teachers of the Law

38 As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”

The Widow’s Offering

41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

Jesus warns us against pride and self-satisfaction, so easy to slip into, and holds out the quiet donation of the poor widow, as small as it was, as the ideal, for it was a real sacrifice for her, something that she needed herself to live on, but which she also wanted to give to God, trusting that somehow he would take care of her needs. She stands as a model for us whose lives are cluttered with things or who hold back when it is time to give money or time to help those in need. We know not her name, she remains anonymous, but her example stands as an example for us over the centuries.  What can I do to imitate her trust and generosity?

Bro. Rene

Dear God, help me to imitate the generosity of this poor widow with my time and material goods. Amen