Sunday Reflection on Giving However Small Matters

 

In today’s Gospel, we read: “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on” (Luke 21:3-4). The widow’s offering was small in worldly terms, yet in God’s eyes, it was worth more than all the wealth offered by others. She didn’t give from surplus or excess but from a place of trust and devotion, offering everything she had.

This story echoes a similar message from the Old Testament in 1 Kings 17:12-15, where a widow in Zarephath, in the midst of a drought and famine, shares her last handful of flour and a bit of oil with the prophet Elijah. Elijah assures her, saying, “The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry.” Though she has barely enough for herself and her son, her faith moves her to share. God’s provision sustains her and her household as she gives what little she has.

Both stories remind us that true generosity isn’t measured by how much we give but by the spirit and sacrifice behind what we give. Sometimes we think we’ll give more when we have more just like the level of billionaires, but these widows show that we can all give meaningfully with what we have now. In a society where we often give from our excesses, cleaning out our closets or donating items we no longer use, we must ensure that our offerings still hold dignity and value. If we donate items that are worn, soiled, or unusable, it doesn’t reflect true love or care for those in need. True charity calls us to consider the worth of others, to share not only what’s convenient but what genuinely helps.

On a side note, giving doesn’t always require money. We can offer our time, our talents, and our compassion to uplift others. In every community, someone is always in need of support, a kind word, or encouragement. May we open our hearts to those around us, realizing that our time, talent, and attention are valuable offerings too. Inspired by the faith of these two widows, may we learn to give even in ways that might stretch us, trusting God to multiply our gifts for His purposes. 

God bless

I remain your pal, Ronnie