Mark 12: 41-44 the Widow's Mite

And He sat down opposite the treasury, and began observing how the people were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large sums. ⁴² A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. ⁴³ Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; ⁴⁴ for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.”

Jesus has shown that where ever our purse is, there our heart will be also. The kingdom of heaven asks us to contribute three things: time, talent, and treasure. These are the grounds for stewardship. The way in which we handle our finances is an indicator of the extent that we trust in Jesus. Jesus prefers to watch what we give. In today's story, he witnesses the widow, who is among the poorest in Israel, offer two copper coins (pennies) and Jesus wanted his followers to see what she gave. The point he was making is not that the amount was large, but it was all she had! Later in the gospels Jesus says that when we seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all these other things will be added to us, but our belief in Jesus words is measured by the actual giving that takes place.

Daily Prayer: Lord, we are all greedy people and do not trust you sufficiently. Forgive us of our sins and help us to repent by the power of the Holy Spirit so that we let go of the control of our own lives, and give it to you. In your holy name I pray Amen.