"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."
The Lord and his disciples apparently witnessed a peculiar custom in Jerusalem. With Jewish pilgrims from all over the world, we can suppose there was a continual flow of donations to the temple. But Jesus and his disciples watched an extraordinary custom, perhaps reenacted only occasionally, when citizens might process to the temple and make a donation toward its support. It was an opportunity to show off one's fine clothes, and to demonstrate both success and largess.
Some rural churches in the United States, during their annual festivals, hold public auctions of donated goods and services. During prosperous years, some farmers may ostentatiously demonstrate their success with extravagant bids for worthless prizes, like a scrawny old rooster. It's all in good fun, but there's nothing subtle about the message.
Jesus, with his disciples, were there to enjoy the fun, but he was astounded when he saw what no one else noticed, "...she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood!"
The Lord recognized the widow's isolation, her obvious poverty, and the true sacrifice which she alone had made. More than accepting her cross, she seemed to embrace it as she tossed her last copper coins into the insatiable gullet of the temple's treasury.
We can suppose she felt the presence of God in the world's most sacred shrine, and was not distracted by the crowd or the festive atmosphere. She was not like the Pharisee in the temple who admired his own image in the "mirror" of an unhappy tax collector. She looked at God and no one else; she wanted to trust Him alone. And if it cost her last two copper coins!
Saint Luke's Gospel announced to the world a different and entirely unexpected appreciation for the innumerable sorrows that afflict human life. In today's brief story we find an unworldly set of values, and receive a new understanding of what is beautiful in God's eyes.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.