The poor widow’s two coins

Mark 12:38-44

IN the course of His teaching Jesus said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext, recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation.”

He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling His disciples to Himself, He said to them, “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.”

Reflection

She, from her poverty, has contributed all. The poor widow of the Gospel is an example of true giving. She gives everything she has, forgetting herself and firmly believing in the goodness and providence of God. She offers what matters most to her – her whole livelihood. She depends on God, not on money. Her God is her wealth.

In contrast, rich people contribute from their surplus wealth. They share what is extra. They give what they do not need and continue living comfortably.

When was the last time we gave our most valuable offering or most precious possession to Jesus? When did we last make a supreme sacrifice for Jesus? We must admit that there are parts of our life, of our daily activities, or of ourselves that we have not completely surrendered to Jesus. We hold back from Jesus perhaps our time and our treasures.

Let the poor widow show us how to give without counting the cost, to share even what we need ourselves, and to give the best even if it hurts.

“It is possible to give without love, but it is impossible to love without giving.”

SOURCE: “366 Days with the Lord 2012,” ST PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: books@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph