A reading from the gospel according to Luke 21:1-4

1 When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury
2 and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins.
3 He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest;
4 for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”

Reflection: Giving

The late Pope John Paul II (now a Saint) remarked that no one is too poor as to give nothing. Like the widow in the gospel above, even the poorest of the poor can find some coins to give. In fact, the widow did not just offer two small coins. She gave her whole livelihood. We are called to offer not just our extras but everything we have because in truth, nothing is ours anyway. All that we have come from the generosity of our Father in heaven who loves us unconditionally.

The bible does not actually require us to give to the church everything we earn but only 10% (Leviticus 27:30, Proverbs 3:9). Yet, the actual amount we give is not as important as the generosity of our heart. Let us give with joy and thanksgiving in our heart for God loves the joyful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Jesus is challenging us to put our whole trust in God’s providence like a child who is totally dependent on his parents. Just like the poor widow, let us be ready to sacrifice what we have for the glory of God knowing that He will provide all our needs. Let us put God first in everything we do and let God, in His mercy and grace, do everything for us.

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A Lesson in True Generosity
When Jesus observed the widow offering her two small coins, he revealed a profound truth about generosity, faith, and trust in God. While others gave out of their abundance, this widow gave sacrificially, offering all she had. Her action stands as a timeless reminder that true giving is not about the size of the gift but the heart behind it.

Generosity is Measured by Sacrifice, Not Quantity
The rich people in the story gave large amounts, which might have impressed those watching. Yet, Jesus focused on the widow, whose seemingly insignificant offering was of greater value in God’s eyes. Why? Because it represented true sacrifice. The widow gave not from her surplus but from her lack. She trusted God to provide for her needs, even as she let go of all she had.

This challenges us to reflect on our own giving. Are we giving out of convenience or sacrifice? True generosity requires letting go of our comforts to honor God and bless others. It isn’t about the dollar amount but the faith and love invested in the act.

Faith is the Foundation of True Giving
The widow’s action demonstrated incredible faith. She trusted that God would provide for her, even when she emptied her pockets. This level of faith is rare and inspiring. It’s easy to give when we feel secure and have everything we need. But giving becomes a genuine act of worship when it requires trust in God’s provision.

God calls us to trust Him with all aspects of our lives, including our finances. The widow’s faith teaches us that when we surrender what we have to Him, He takes care of us in ways we could never imagine. As it says in Philippians 4:19, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

True Giving Reflects the Heart
This passage isn’t only about financial giving. It’s about the state of our hearts. The widow gave all she had, demonstrating her complete devotion to God. Her offering was an act of love and worship.

God values the condition of our hearts over the material value of our gifts. In our daily lives, this might mean offering our time to help someone in need, using our talents to serve in church, or extending kindness to someone who is struggling. When we give with a heart that seeks to glorify God, our gifts, no matter how small, carry eternal value.

Practical Applications of the Widow’s Example
1. Prioritize Sacrificial Giving: Ask yourself, “What does it mean for me to give sacrificially?” It may involve stepping out of your comfort zone or re-evaluating how you allocate your time, money, and energy.
2. Trust God’s Provision: Like the widow, we’re called to trust that God will meet our needs when we give. This trust is built through prayer, reading Scripture, and reflecting on God’s faithfulness in the past.
3. Give With Joy and Gratitude: Giving should flow from a heart filled with gratitude for what God has done. The widow’s offering was likely given in joy and faith, knowing that God would sustain her.
4. Encourage Others to Give: Share the widow’s story with your family and friends. Encourage them to see giving not as an obligation but as an opportunity to worship God and make a difference in the lives of others.

The widow’s act of giving teaches us that God sees and values the heart behind our actions. It’s not the amount that matters but the willingness to give out of love and trust. When we give sacrificially, we reflect the very heart of God, who gave His Son for us.

Let us strive to emulate the faith, generosity, and devotion of the widow, trusting that as we give our all, God will use our offerings to accomplish His divine purposes and bless us in return. What small but sacrificial offering can you bring to God today?