We live in an era where scamming has become a “formal” means of employment. Many persons, including teenagers, are involved in lottery scamming, bank fraud and swindling vulnerable retirees of their hard-earned assets.  There is also skepticism around requests for donations/contributions from some Churches and whether the funds are being used in furtherance of God’s Kingdom on Earth.

Resulting from these unfortunate and evil acts, there is a defence mechanism being practised by some individuals who seek to protect their assets as a natural reaction and survival instinct.  For some, this protective posture makes giving more difficult, and Christians are subject to the same considerations, in particular, those who have personally been victims or knows someone scammed.

In this context, how would we view the action of the widow in today’s Gospel? Would some persons think that she was being scammed or that the Church was unreasonable to accept her offering?

This widow, likely without anyone to care for her, gave her last “two cents”.  Jesus called his disciples and said “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury” (Mark 12:43).  The widow must be credited for her bold, uninhibited vulnerability to offer all she had to live on as a true sign of sacrifice.  She must have felt assured that God had her life planned out – “for surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Anyone can give out of their abundance and excess, but the story of “The Widow’s Mite” revealed a true believer who gave out of her poverty.  Sacrificing and surrendering of all that she had.   God sees our sacrifices and will supply all our needs. “And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). We should not feel pressured by the story of “The Widow’s Mite” in regards to our spiritual giving.  “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

However, as we reflect on the Gospel reading and the message to us, please be mindful of the Hymn we love to sing:

All to Jesus I surrender, All to him I freely give; I will ever love and trust him, In his presence daily live.

Refrain: I surrender all, I surrender all, All to thee, my blessed Saviour, I surrender all.

Amen.

Colin Barnett