“At the end of life we will not be judged by how many
diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things
we have done. We will be judged by ‘I was hungry and you gave me to eat, I was
naked and you clothed me, I was homeless and you took me in.’ Hungry not only
for bread — but hungry for love. Naked not only for clothing — but naked for
human dignity and respect. Homeless not only for want of a room of bricks — but
homeless because of rejection.” - Mother
Teresa: (1910 – 1997: Roman Catholic religious
sister and missionary)
Gospel Text: (Lk
21:1-4)
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 all made offerings from their surplus wealth,
but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”
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 all made offerings from their surplus wealth,
but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”
At first glance, Jesus’ evaluation is ludicrous. Surely the rich donors have deposited far more than this widow’s two small coins!
But with a smile, Jesus points out that generosity is measured, not by what is given, but by what is left. Others have contributed their extra, leaving themselves a comfortable cushion to live on. This widow has given everything. All she has left is trust in God’s provision—and she knows that is enough. God loves her, and he will provide for her out of his glorious riches.
The key to this woman’s generosity is her attitude. Whether the other people give a little or a lot, they are clearly donating what they regard as theirs. The widow, on the other hand, knows that everything she possesses belongs to God—including her own life. Secure in this relationship, she has asked the Lord, “What should you and I do with these resources that belong to you?” When she decided to place it all in the collection, surely she had no idea that her generosity would provide an object lesson for Jesus’ closest friends, let alone for every generation since then.
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