The Widow’s Offering

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him,

Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:41-44)

How and why do we cultivate a generous spirit of giving our first and best belongings in the spirit of the One who gave us everything? 

To help gain a better perspective on the relationship between God’s generous giving and our giving, it might be useful to ask ourselves the following questions:

How does the Lord give to me?

What has he given to me?

How will I give in return?

I encourage each of us today to take a few minutes to make an account of the ways the Lord has given to us and what we ourselves have given. Make a tally that helps to put the Lord’s giving and your giving in perspective. Do this on a separate sheet of paper:

How much more has the Lord given and how, in this spirit, can I best give. How can I be more generous in my giving?

Prayer

Open my eyes and my heart today to the bounty of your gifts and teach me, Lord, how to cultivate the spirit of giving. To your glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.