11/24/2025 (Monday) Today’s Gospel reading: 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.”

11/24/2025 (Monday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Luke 21:1-4

The story of a poor widow gives us a radically different perspective in life. While many gave large amounts in the temple, it was the widow’s tiny coins that captured His heart. Not because of the monetary value, but because those coins represented her entire trust in God. She gave not from her excess, but from her very life.

Today, we live in a society obsessed with numbers such as likes, followers, income, achievements, productivity. We often equate “more” with “meaningful.” But the widow reminds us that in the eyes of God, the value of a gift lies in the love and faith behind it, not its size.

Think of a young employee working abroad who sends a small amount home every month. Her salary is modest, her expenses are tight, yet that small remittance comes from deep love for her family. To others, it may look insignificant, but to her parents, it is priceless. This is the heart of the widow’s offering, giving with love, even when it costs something.

Or consider a student who, despite having little time because of many responsibilities, still volunteers an hour each week to tutor children who cannot afford lessons. That hour is small compared to the larger contributions others might make, but it carries sincerity, compassion, and a desire to uplift others. In God’s eyes, that hour is a shining offering.

The widow also teaches us that true generosity is measured by sacrifice, not surplus. Many people can give big donations without feeling anything. But when someone gives out of their vulnerability, fear, or limitation, that gift becomes deeply meaningful. God sees not the amount, but the heart that trusts even when resources are scarce.

In modern life, our “two small coins” may not even be money. Sometimes, it is the patience we give when we are exhausted. The forgiveness we extend when we have every reason to hold a grudge. The kindness we offer to a person who cannot repay us. The prayer whispered even when we feel empty. The time we give to a friend who is lonely, even when our schedule is full. These seemingly small offerings, when given faithfully, become treasures in God’s kingdom.

Another powerful lesson is that God notices what others overlook. The crowd probably ignored the widow. Some might have even judged her for giving so little. But Jesus saw her. He honored her. In a noisy world filled with impressive achievements, God sees the quiet sacrifices that no one else applauds.

He sees the single mother working two jobs while still finding moments to teach her children to pray.
He sees the elderly man who visits the sick even if he moves slowly and tires easily.
He sees the teenager resisting peer pressure because he wants to honor God, even if others tease him.
He sees the ordinary worker who chooses honesty in a workplace full of shortcuts.
These are widow’s offerings, small in the world’s eyes, enormous in God’s.

Most importantly, the widow calls us to trust God completely. She gave everything because she believed in God’s faithfulness. She teaches us that generosity is not about wealth but it is about trust. When we give ourselves including our time, our resources, our talents to God, we declare, “Lord, You are my security. You are my provider.”

In a culture that tells us to hold tightly to what we have, the widow invites us to live open-handedly. And when we give with love, humility, and trust, we participate in the very heart of God who gave everything for us.

May we, like her, offer to God not just what is comfortable, but what is meaningful. For in His kingdom, it is the smallest gifts given with the greatest love that shine the brightest.

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