“FAITH IS TAKING THE FIRST STEP EVEN WHEN YOU DON’T SEE THE WHOLE STAIRCASE.”

– MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR

A reading from the Gospel of Mark: “Jesus sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.’”

The widow’s offering is one of the shortest stories in both the Gospels of Luke (21:1-4) and Mark (12:41- 44), consisting of only four verses. Interestingly, the story is preceded in both accounts by Jesus’ condemnation of those people who appears pious, haughty, and proud and who oppress others, especially those who are widowed. Its brevity of words reflects the core of its moral lesson. Are you giving out of your abundance or out of your need?

In first-century Palestine, widows were reliant on male relatives for their financial and social positions. There was limited support outside of family structures. The widow’s poverty would indicate the absence of these sponsorships. She is resourceless and powerless in many aspects of her life. However, her story does not end there. Like other instances in the Gospel stories, it is the women who, by their words, questions, or examples, teach others about right living and right relationship. The unnamed widow is a woman who does not utter a word, but her action and example speak volumes. The richness of her character and faith is strongly evident.

Hers is a simple example of generosity, in the best sense of the phrase. Her munificence is straightforward and lacks complexity, even while her life must have been filled with complications. It reflects a tremendous trust in God. To hand over all of one’s money is a profoundly trusting act. It is all she has. She gives regardless. Her thoughtfulness for the needs of others is inspiring. Her philanthropy strikes a chord with Jesus with such veracity that she continues to be an example to us in our time. It stirs us to self-reflection. How do you give? Out of your abundance or out of your need?

In our Vincentian tradition, it is another woman who teaches the early members of the Society about the meaning of wealth, service, and mission. Blessed Rosalie Rendu lived her life in solidarity with people experiencing extreme poverty, neglect, and hardship in nineteenth-century Paris. She also calls us, as she did to Frederic Ozanam and his contemporaries, to a trusting and deep relationship with God, “Let us accept all that comes our way. God will send us enough money and enough goods, provided we use them well.”

It is difficult to follow the literal example of the widow. It can serve as a reminder that genuine and humble generosity is part of Christian practice. It is also an invitation to continually deepen our trust in an abundant and generous God who cares unconditionally for us and our needs.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

• What is your reaction to the widow’s story?
• Where are the invitations in your life to deepen your trust in God?

From: Firewood for the soul, vol. 2, A Reflexion Book for the Whole Vincentian Family
St. Vincent de Paul Society, Queensland, Australia.
Text by: Samantha Hill and James Hodge.