Reflection: Luke 21:1-4

Monday of the 34^th Week of Ordinary Time – Luke 21:1-4

In this Gospel we hear the story of “widow’s mite.”  (It is helpful to remember that today’s Gospel is a continuation from Saturday’s Gospel when Jesus was in the temple and the Sadducees were monitoring him and his teaching.)  Jesus noticed that the wealthy people were putting offerings into the treasury. Then he noticed a poor widow who put two small coins into the treasury.  Jesus was deeply touched by her loving generosity.  He commented: “This poor woman put more into the treasury than all the rest!  The others gave from their abundance.  However, this woman offered what she had!”

Jesus is not interested in how much people give to the Church, schools, and other organizations.  Jesus is looking for generosity of heart, not simply “generosity of wallet.”  Compared to other donors, this widow’s gift was a pittance.  However, the little that she gave came from her “want.”  She was struggling to make ends meet, yet she freely gave her “mite” to the temple treasury.  Jesus commended the woman for her love and her generosity.

Often, those of us who have more at our disposal may not appreciate the richness we have: food on the table, a bed to sleep in, enough income to “make ends meet” and people who love us. Today Jesus calls out to us and says: “Be thankful for the ‘riches’ in your life: food on the table, a roof over your head and people who love you.”  And Jesus also calls us to be mindful of the many people in our country and our world who do not have enough, be that food, money, housing, or employment.  Perhaps today we can share our “mite” with the individuals we encounter who may need some time, attention, resources or care.  Our “mite” may be a great blessing to them.  And we may find that this individual also is a great blessing to us!