«And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites» (Luke 21:1, 2).
According to Albert Nolan, this stratum was made up mostly of those who, because they had some kind of physical impairment, could not work: the blind, deaf mute, paralyzed, lepers. These people usually had to beg. There were also those in this category who depended on public charity: widows, orphans, and those who, in addition to not being able to work, had no one to provide them with livelihood.
Against this background, it is no surprise to read that Luke, in his account, says that she was a «poor widow,» and that the term he uses in Greek means «one who lives a hand-to-mouth existence and who must labor each day in order to have something to each the next. » Her offering must therefore have been very small, and far inferior to that of the rich. These, according to Mark, «threw in large amounts» (Mark 12:41, NW).
As I reflect on this event, I cannot help but feel a loving rebuke on the part of the Savior for how little I am giving—of my life, my time, my resources—to His church and to those who have less than me. I can’t help but think that while this poor woman gave as an offering «all she had to live on» (Mark 12:44, NIV), I am instead giving out what I have left over.
But just as with this account I receive a loving rebuke, I also find a powerful stimulus. Here is the reason: out of everything that occurred in the temple that day, it was the sacrifice of this poor woman that caught the Savior’s attention the most. The temple was magnificent, so were the ceremonies, but what captivated His attention was the smallest offering, coming from the person who occupied the lowest place in the poorest stratum of Jewish society.
Praise God! He notices and appreciates our best efforts. No matter how weak, how small, they may seem to the human eye, they are very value to Him.
Thank You, heavenly Father, for noticing my efforts to be faithful to You. In the wonderful name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, I ask that You grant me what I cannot accomplish with my best efforts. Amen.
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2022
“GREAT IS OUR GOD!”
From: FERNANDO ZABALA
Colaboradores: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate