In this Sunday’s Gospel, we are called to reflect on a widow who gave her all in the service of the Lord. In reflecting on how we give, Jesus challenges us not to look at the quantity that we give but at the spirit with which we give.
Widows were not regarded as prominent in the Society of Jesus’ time. Widows depended on others to give them help. This is probably why Jesus noticed the widow coming forward to give. This Gospel tells us that many of the wealthy and learned people were in the temple as well giving their share.
What was it about this widow that made Jesus take notice of her? Much like the story of Elijah and the widow in the earlier reading, this widow gave from all that she had to live on. She gave her life to God. “A poor widow came up and put in two small coins—a measly two cents. Jesus called his disciples over and said, “The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together.
All the others gave what they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all.” God is not interested in how much we give or how wealthy we are. God looks at our hearts and the spirit with which we offer ourselves in the service of all. These widows in this Sunday’s scriptures show us by example God’s love in giving us, Jesus. We are called to be for others as God has been for us. Giving and not counting the cost.