Luke 21: 1 – 4 The Widow’s Mite

Luke 21: 1 – 4 The Widow’s Mite

When he 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."

The topic of the day is giving alms, giving to the poor. Jesus points out two examples – the rich people who give out of their excess wealth and the poor widow who gives all she has. How much is enough you might ask? We live in a time of extremes – both the numbers of rich and poor are growing. I think perhaps our mistake is in characterizing our giving as charity. Somehow that strikes the American psyche wrong – both in the receiving (people feel humiliated, or sad to be in such a position, or even angry when they are given charity - but enough about them - I think this is really about us!) – or in the giving, which is voluntary, often inadequate to meet the need, and in many cases, an afterthought. I think regarding our giving as charity is where we go wrong. I believe everything we have is due to God’s generosity. Our God-given talents and opportunities are I believe, yes, given to us by God. True, we work hard at them, we develop them, and they bear fruit in terms of recognition and financial payback. Perhaps we need to think more of being grateful and joyful for what we have been given, and out of that joy and gratitude be generous to those around us as God has been generous to us.