Luke 21:1-4 NRSVue

¹He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; ²he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. ³He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them, ⁴for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”

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Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
The trust of the poor widow was seen by Jesus. I ask for God’s help to see the best in the small and impoverished everyday gestures that I might notice. I bring these moments before God for blessing.

Reflection
Talk of recession makes us cautious. Generosity can be a sign of the goodness of God. In a time of constraint it may be all the more necessary.

Reflection
Jesus admires the poor widow because she gave her all.

Reflection
What does it mean to give my all? Could I do it? Is it wise or advisable? Have I seen others do it?

Reflection
What is this "giving all" that Jesus admires so much?

Reflection
Generosity is all relative, of course. Solomon prayed: Keep me from sacrifices that cost me nothing. Teach me true large-heartedness like that of the poor widow, a generosity that gives in secret, left hand not knowing what right hand is doing, and that gives until it hurts.