They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on. —Mark 12:44
Today’s verse is an excerpt from the well-known Bible story of the widow’s offering. In this parable, Jesus watches a crowd give money into the temple treasury. Many rich people donated large amounts, but a poor widow came and only deposited two “mites,” something near the value of pennies. Jesus said to His disciples that the widow had given more to the treasure than all the others. It’s easy to feel more pious than our neighbors when we put more in the collection box than those sitting on the pew next to us or when we donate more generously to a community bake sale. Whatever the situation, it’s important to keep in mind that the Lord doesn’t judge us on how much we give. Rather, He makes His judgments on what the donation meant to us individually. The widow clearly gave much less money than other people. But since she gave every cent she had to the Treasury, and the others donated mere portions of their large estates, her donation was worth more in Jesus’ eyes. Jesus saw the situation differently than the disciples who were also watching. The wealthy patrons made sure to jingle the coins and make a show of their large donations, but the poor widow made a humble gift. Hers was the one worth mentioning. Today’s verse isn’t to say that the rich are automatically less pious than the poor. It’s meant as a lesson in humbleness and sacrifice. Having a giving heart is more important than the amount we give. Become a more cheerful giver, and do as much as you can in the spirit of true generosity.
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