Give Like the Widow
The story of the “widow’s mite” challenges us to evaluate the way we give differently.
We generally want to donate to causes we believe in, causes that move us. But consider the two copper pennies of this famous widow. (Click here to read it.) This account comes in the midst of a series of accounts which together are quite critical of the temple leadership and the current religious establishment in general.
In that context, this poor widow puts her last two copper coins into the temple coffers, feeding precisely the religious machine that Jesus has been criticizing. Yet, she gives generously and Jesus generously commends her giving.
Apparently, our need to give is more important than what happens with the money after it is given. I don’t believe this absolves us of all responsibility for considering what we support, but it reminds us that we need to give, period. We should pay attention to where our money goes and what it supports. But always remember that it is the giving that is most important.
Second, I don’t present this as a case for giving to St. John’s! I certainly hope that you are pleased with what we do at St. John’s and want to support it. It may be a good reminder however that some piece of the life of the church that you are not “all in” on is not a reason to withhold giving.
This leaves us with the challenge to understand where the real benefits of our giving lie and to seek that growth as we give. Giving is not just a way to make our community a little nicer, but a way to grow our faith and strengthen our relationship with God.
How might that thought change your giving?
This column appeared in the November 7, 2021 edition of St. John’s eNews. Click here for the complete issue.
If you are reading this at a different time, you may click here for the current eNews.
