23-Nov-15

Gospel LK 21:1-4
When Jesus 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.”
Reflection:
The story of the poor widow who gave her whole livelihood appears in the gospels of both Luke and Mark.
In the passage that immediately precedes the story of the good widow in the gospel of Mark, Jesus warns people to "Beware of the experts of the law....who devour widow's houses, and who, in pretense, pray at great length.These will receive a more abundant condemnation." Mark 12:38-40
The widow may have given for the sake of those who, like herself, were poor. But, was she also made to feel obligated by the "experts in the law" (the religious leaders) who may have not so subtlety pressured her into giving the little that she possessed?
Many believe that Jesus was both deeply touched by the widow's generosity and deeply saddened that religious leaders would urge a poor widow to give them her last penny. Instead they should have been providing for her.
There are two lessons here:
From the behavior of these "experts in the law" we learn of God's disappointment with those who would take advantage of others, especially the poor.
From the widow, we learn how it pleases God when we sacrifice for the sake of others.

"No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave." Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States