November 25, 2024

Luke 21:1-4

Jesus is teaching by the temple compound. He looks up and sees people making their monetary offerings. While wealthy people give large amounts with ease, what attracts his attention is a poor widow giving two small coins, her entire livelihood. Jesus is drawn to the beauty and openness of the widow’s heart, who in her vulnerability gives all she has to God and puts her trust in him. The wealthier people may take pride in their gifts or may give with clean and sincere hearts, we do not know. But the widow has given the most in God’s eyes — all she has. 

We should never feel embarrassed or ashamed to have less to give, to be dressed in poor clothing, or to live simply. In fact, to live this way is blessed.  Our dignity is not in what we wear, where we live, or what food we have to eat. Our dignity is in our heart, and this is what God sees.