December 6, 2024 Daily Dose of Discernment

“Really, this poor widow has given more than all the rest combined. For they have given a little of what they didn’t need, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” (Luke 21:3-4)

According to Jesus, the widow in the story gave more than all the others whose contributions were much bigger in value. He was obviously pointing out that it's not the amount of one’s offering that makes them generous, but the amount of sacrifice behind it.

It's worth noting as well that Jesus was not against having the poor give. He wants everyone to give, not because God needs our money, but because He wants us to partake not only of His divine nature of sacrificial generosity but of His joy as well. So then let us think of giving as something we get to do, not something we got to do.; as an opportunity to be a blessing rather than a peremptory duty to be fulfilled.