Daily Retreat 06/10/06

2006 Jun 10 Sat: Ordinary Weekday/ BVM

2 Tm 4: 1-8/ Ps 70(71): 8-9. 14-15ab. 16-17. 22/ Mk 12: 38-44

From today’s readings: "Proclaim the word - be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.... I will treat of the mighty works of the Lord.... Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the others...."

The Widow’s Mite

I’ve heard (and personally observed!) many parables based on "the Widow’s Mite," stories about seemingly insignificant offerings or gifts presented with exemplary fullness of heart, and thereby eclipsing more substantial contributions "from surplus wealth."

Sometimes we forget, though, that story of "the Widow’s Mite"itself is not a parable - it really happened! Indeed, the very last thing that Jesus did in the Jerusalem Temple was to draw His disciples’ attention to the example of that woman who gave a lot, though she gave a little, because, in fact, she gave all she had!

Well, of course, there’s plenty of people today who are willing to follow the widow’s example in the amount of their charitable contributions, but precious few who are inclined to match her spirit of faith and generosity. Objectively, there is much more disposable wealth in the world today than there was at the time of Jesus, and it’s fair to say that we all share at least partially in the riches accrued over centuries of technological advances. So it’s inexcusable that so many of us (myself included) need this Gospel reminder to realize that our present charitable contributions are even today still surpassed by that widow’s mite....