Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth, but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” 
(Mark 12: 43-44)

Mark 12: 38-44

What is Jesus’ message to us? Why does Jesus use the widow as an example?

Jesus praises the widow for her generosity. But why is she poor and has so little to give? What has caused her to be in this position? Her community's operating system has allowed this to happen. Yet, she is willing to give what she has.

Perhaps Jesus is asking us to consider the widow’s status and face our greed. Do we give all but hold something back for ourselves? How do we feel about giving all that we have away? How do we treat others that have less than we do?

In his book Just Mercy, the author, activist and lawyer Bryan Stevenson wrote, “The true measure of our character is how we treat the poor, the disfavoured, the accused, the incarcerated, and the condemned.” We need to ask ourselves some tough questions.

What is Jesus saying to you today? How are the marginalised treated in your parish? Is there some way you can assist in uplifting a “poor” member of your community?

Reflections by Gillian Hugo

Heavenly Father,
You are a gracious and generous God. May I be more like you? Help me give with a good heart and help those in need.
Amen.

Visit our website