Jesus is sitting, watching as people give what they can, some more than others. This simple sentence evokes interesting images and feelings in me that beg reflection. My anxiety increases as my heart starts to race. Would Jesus know I could give more than I do and have? Have I given all that I can? And I am only referring to monetary offerings here. What more of myself can I give that I’m
not?
In this text, Jesus considers the offerings of the wealthy insignificant. His focus is on the widow. She has suffered great loss and has very little, yet she still gives what she can.
If we consider the widows in Jesus' time, they would have been some of the most vulnerable members of the community. In the event of a husband's death, any possible inheritance would have
been passed to her sons. The widow would be provided for and live out her days with her oldest son and his family. She would be in a more fortunate position than the widow with no sons or sons too young to provide for her, who would be left at the mercy of the community.
The widow in this text has given “two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents”, a profoundly generous offering. She has decided that what little money she has
belongs to God. We are not told that she gave her very last cent, but she has certainly given generously of what little she has. In comparison, the other givers “threw in large amounts”, possibly of the excess they had.
Perhaps the widow gave 99% of what she had, while the wealthier givers may only have given 30% of what they had. Jesus noticed this. He commended the widow and condemned the rich.
The invitation today is to reflect on and have a conversation with God about the images and emotions stirred up in you as you read this text.
Reflections by Gillian
Hugo
