When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. He said, I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood. ( Lk. 24:42-44)
The poverty of the widow is actually her riches when the Lord himself singled her out among the wealthy who were putting-in their surplus wealth in the treasury of the temple, but she from her generous heart all her livelihood. She is truly poor in spirit, counted among the “blessed” whom Jesus mentioned in his sermon on the mount about the Beatitudes; “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.”
The widow gave quietly and humbly, unlike the rich who gave for show and publicity. She was barely noticed not even the disciples, but only Jesus and that’s what’s most important. The Lord was not impressed by the rich people’s big contributions to elicit public recognition, but by the woman’s simplicity and generosity. What’s important is that we do our duties and obligations sincerely and honestly motivated by our faith and love of God.
Money itself is not the issue, but our attitude in giving to God. The widow has “ “offered her whole livelihood.” She truly admirable because despite her dire need and times of hardships, she still was willing to give it all. She reflects the generosity and love of God who gave His only Son Jesus to save us. The Lord did not avail of the divine power to save himself from the cruel punishment of crucifixion but gave himself totally for our sakes.
Two small coins are nothing compared to amount given by the rich. But here Jesus teaches us that the true value and worth of our gift or donation is not the money or the thing itself, but the spirit behind in giving. Generously giving when one can afford is good, but giving generously when one has less is much better and worth much more.
Enjoying what you have in abundance and owning things is not bad, but what is not good and spiritually harmful is when we hold them so tightly that we forget to recognize the Giver and not share our blessings with others especially the needy. We’ll enjoy giving and sharing much more when done with joy and love in our hearts especially for the underserving and the needy.
On the flip side, someone said that your greatest test is when you’re able to bless someone else when you’re going through your own storm.. Gratitude is the most creative force in the universe. It takes a lot of truth to gain trust, but just one lie to lose it all. Having a soft heart in a cruel world is courage not weakness. Don’t let someone who has done nothing tell you how to do anything. Sometimes we create our own heartbreaks through expectation and suspicion. The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts. Amen on that folks!!
St. Faustina wrote Jesus’ words: “ I find pleasure not in large buildings and magnificent structures, but in the pure and humble heart. ( Diary 532).
Pray the Divine Mercy every 3 p.m. Daily pray the Chaplet of Mercy and the Holy Rosary for peace in our families and in the whole world.
WELCOME TO OUR HEALING MASS AT SAN VICENTE CHURCH EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 6:00 P.M.