Mark 12:38-44 - Giving a little bit, but all!

The Lord said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to go about in long robes, and to have salutations in the market places and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation." And he sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the multitude putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came, and put in two copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him, and said to them, "Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For they all contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, her whole living.

Won't buy much but could be great in God' eyes!
photo by Barry Walker, used under the creative commons license.
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Jesus draws a contrast between those who give from their whole heart and those who give to be showy. The religious leaders of his day liked dressing the part and looking the part and "spiritual hot stuff." They made sure that they had the seats of honor at any gathering, they relished being greeted in public with whatever titles of honor they were addressed with. They made sure their prayers were long (and public) so all would know just how close to God they were. And yet, in secret, they planned devious transactions, taking houses and money from widows. And when it came to giving, they gave large sums out of their wealth but they made sure people knew about it.  And then there's the widow....

She humbly comes with two coins which, really wouldn't have purchased her much and didn't really contribute a lot to the upkeep of the temple.  But she gave from her heart and she gave all.  She was like the monks and nuns who forsake all the world to follow Christ.  She called nothing her own.  But she relied upon God, trusting Him to provide for her since she had no husband.  The rich could count on their own riches but this poor widow had no riches to rely upon.  Yes, she reasoned, that God would be her provider and, in gratitude and humble faith, she gave all she had.  Jesus noticed and told His disciples that, in His Father's eyes, this woman gave more than the rich because she gave all.

How happy are the poor who trust in the Lord.  Am I poor? Not really. Yet, may I be poor of spirit, humbly giving all to the service of God.  I have little money, compared to those around me yet lots of money compared to the poor in other countries. I have little talents, not being a great speaker nor having a strong personality yet, that little bit, I should give over to God. This day, O Lord, may I give all to you! Amen.