Read Rev. 14:1-5, Ps. 24:1-6, Luke 21:1-4 “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them.” (Luke 21:3)
Every 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 I have.” If we truly understand the meaning of widow’s mite, we would either avoid using this phrase or actually give as the widow gave; that is, everything we have.
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus is in the temple. It was time for offering and Jesus could see the amount each person gave. His attention was drawn to a woman who put in two copper coins; a rather small amount, at least compared to what others were giving.
To the surprise of everyone, Jesus praised this woman for giving the highest because while others gave only tiny bits of what they had, this woman gave everything she had. This teaches us that God does not judge by human standards. Humans judge by the amount of money (price) but God judges our giving by value (what that amount means to you).
The widow’s mite, by human standards, meant nothing because it was just two copper coins but for that widow, these two copper 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 her own survival. She, like Abel, sacrificed the best.
God is not asking us to empty our entire accounts each time we come to Church. No. To say so would be completely missing the point. God is not interested in our money because He owns the whole world. (Cf. Isaiah 66:1-2). Rather, the point is God, desires value, not money. If what you are giving to God means nothing to you, then it means nothing to God. And it doesn’t have to be money.
There are so many things we can give to God that are not monetary. For instance, spending one hour every day in prayer. For many of us, one hour is too valuable to us; we would rather spend it playing with our phones, sleeping, entertaining ourselves, or pursuing money. People say time is precious and if you believe that time is precious, know that God desires precious things. He doesn’t want your money; He wants your time.
Another example of a value that we can give to God is being truthful. Saying the truth is so hard that many find it easier to drop money than to commit to saying the truth always. St. John in the book of Revelations speaks of the one hundred and forty-four thousand (a symbolic number) who have washed their robes clean. One of the characteristics 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, and it would not be easy for you to repent from telling lies but this is the offering that moves God. Say the truth and shame the devil.
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, Jesus, train my mouth to always speak the truth. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Bible Study: Rev. 14:1-5, Ps. 24:1-6, Luke 21:1-4)
© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu