“May The Lord Commend Your Gift!”

“May The Lord Commend Your Gift!”
It was offering time. “Many rich people threw large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.” Jesus drew the attention of the disciples to this, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more…than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on”(Mk.12:41-44).
Today it is common to hear some people say, “that was my widow’s mite”, inferring that was all they had.
Money itself has no value in God’s kingdom, so Jesus was not interested in totals, he was interested in the motives of the giver and maybe the source of the money as well. Earlier on as he taught, he said, “Watchout for the teachers of the law…They devour widows’ houses…”(12:40). It could be one reason why Jesus wasn’t impressed by their large amounts. As regards motives, the rich gave in such a way as to be seen and they didn’t give with reverence. They “threw” in large amounts, whereas the poor widow “put in.”
The story is not only about giving; it is aslo about social stratification! Even today widows are oppressed and marginalised species! It does not matter how long a woman has been widowed, she is tagged with the name, “widow of…” It was the same in those days. That is why Jesus knew she was a widow.
James says there should be no favouritism amongst believers. We shouldn’t allocate seats to people based on their social class. That is an insult to the poor, meanwhile you exalt the rich who exploit others, even dragging them to court(cf.Jam.2:1-13).
The Lord is not advocating for a classless society, but he expects that we should do away with oppression, the pointing finger and malicious talk. Rather, “spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oporessed, then…The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs…”(Is,58:9-12)
My friend, we are into Harvest Thanksgiving. Do not come and give grudgingly calling it your “widow’s mite” when it is not! Besides, let the source of your gift be honest and give sacrificially! Make sure you do not exploit others, but rather be a blessing to those who have less than you!
Prayer: Holy Spirit keep me away from dishonest gains and let me give my offering with reverence. Amen!
Have a blessed Sunday! Peace be with you!