Readings: Apocalypse 14:1-5, Ps. 24:1-6, Luke 21:1-4
“This poor widow has put in more than all of them; for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.” (Luke 21:3-4)
Now and then, you hear the phrase, “I am giving my widow’s mite”, which many have taken to mean, “I am giving the smallest amount possible.” If we truly understand the meaning of widow’s mite, we would either avoid using this phrase or give as the widow gave; that is, everything we have.
- In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus is in the temple. His attention is drawn to a woman who puts two copper coins in the collection box. To the surprise of everyone, Jesus praises this woman for giving the highest. While others give tiny bits of what they have abundantly, this woman gives everything she has. She does not give money; she gives faith. She trusts in God’s providence. This shows that God does not judge by human standards.
- This woman could have kept her two copper coins to herself, saying, “What difference will it make?” but she came out and contributed them. Never look down on what you have. Don’t be discouraged by the size of your pocket. Start with your “two copper coins” and leave the rest to God. Avoid comparing yourself to others. God knows that our fingers are unequal; He does not expect you to steal (or commit a crime) to give in His house.
- To many, the widow’s mite was insignificant, but for that widow, these two coins meant the whole world to her. The others gave money, but she gave value. The others gave what they didn’t need, but she gave what she needed for survival. She, like Abel, sacrificed the best, and God accepted her sacrifice.
- Avoid the attitude of giving away those things you don’t need; the collection box is not a dustbin. Some people deliberately drop mutilated, torn or de-commissioned notes. Others give our clothes that have almost become rags to the poor. God is not asking us to empty our accounts each time we come to Church. He already owns the whole world (Cf. Isaiah 66:1-2). However, if your gift means nothing to you, it is nothing to God.
- Remember that it is not only money we can give to God. For instance, can you give God one full hour out of your twenty-four hours daily? For many, one hour is too much for prayer and personal meditation. We claim to be busy, but we have time for entertainment, pleasure or pursuit of material things. Time is indeed precious. This is why God deserves more of your time daily.
- Another gift God loves is truthfulness. Saying the truth is so hard that many find it easier to give money away than commit to telling it. In the book of Revelations, St. John speaks of the one hundred forty-four thousand (a symbolic number) who have washed their robes clean. One characteristic of washing their robes clean was that “in their mouth, no lie was found.”
- No matter how difficult it is for you, let the truth be your offering; let the truth be your widow’s mite. It wasn’t easy for the widow to stand up and give all she had. It would not be easy for you to repent from telling lies, but this is one offering that moves God. Tell the truth and shame the devil.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, train our mouths always to speak the truth. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Monday of week 34 in Ordinary Time Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Apocalypse 14:1-5, Ps. 24:1-6, Luke 21:1-4).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu