Lk 21:1-4
Jesus looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasure box; he also saw a poor widow dropping in two small coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow put in more than all of them. For all gave an offering from their plenty, but she, out of her poverty, gave all she had to live on.”
REFLECTION
In our society today we are judged according to the criteria of economics Quantity takes advantage over quality. Statistics give us income and deficit. Families, schools, associations and governments thoroughly calculate their budgets. Money has become the true measure of life.
The comment of Jesus in front of the treasure box of the temple is striking indeed. We can guess that priests, Pharisees and scribes were attentive to the big sums and rejoiced thereof. The Lord instead pays attention to the widow’s insignificant alms. He praises her. He knows the heart and the intention. In these two small coins there was true worship of God, real sacrifice in humility. It is a lesson for the apostles. The widow didn’t hear the words of Jesus, but her soul was blessed by the Lord’s grace.
Isn’t this a constant claim for our criteria and appreciation? How easily we join the worldly judgment of our society and even publically praise only the rich people who put their gifts in our congregations, institutions and works. However, around us truly pious widows are not lacking.
CLARETIAN COMMUNICATIONS FOUNDATION, INC.
8 Mayumi Street, U.P. Village, Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
Tel.: (02) 921-3984 • 922-00-11 • 921-28-59 Fax: (02) 921-6205, 927-7429
Bookstore: (02) 924-6835
Email: ccfi@claretianpublications.com / cci@claret.org
Website: www.claretianpublications.com
