“For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.” – Mark 12:44
The poor widow in our Gospel passage for Sunday went all in, contributing all she had to glorify God. She gave the last of what she had, “all she had to live on” in some translations. The Lord looked into her heart as she gave and saw the disposition she brought to her tithe. He saw that she was “all in” for God. What a virtue to imitate, giving all we have to the Lord out of love for Him and a desire to glorify Him and build up His kingdom. It’s inspiring, but also a little scary. It makes me think, “Lord, if I give you all that I have, what will I have to live on? How will I take care of myself?”
This is where our faith in God’s goodness, power, and providence come in. God would never ask for more than we have or to harm us. We can only give Him what we have: “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have” (2 Corinthians 8:12). Moreover, it’s the disposition of the heart that makes the gift of the widow exceptional. Jesus must have seen that she gave without reluctance, giving what she could give freely, and generously with open hands and an open heart. Not out of pure obligation, but out of love.
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: ‘They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.’ Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” – 2 Corinthians 9: 6-11
As I read the passage from St. Paul above, I’m struck by his complete trust in God’s providence. He’s saying that when we give cheerfully, we will have all we need so we can “abound in every good work.” So the answer to my question is, I don’t need to worry about taking care of myself; I just need to give what I have cheerfully and out of love and God will supply my needs: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…” (Psalm 23:1).
Jesus, help me to have open hands and an open heart when I give of my time, talent, and treasure to build up Your kingdom. I trust You to give me all that I need to continue to do the good works that You have called me to. Please bless me with a generous, cheerful heart!
"He demands poverty because hands must be empty of the earth's goods to receive the goods of heaven." -St. Theresa Benedicta of the Cross, Edith Stein