Ps 146:7, 8-9, 9-10
Heb 9:24-28
Mk 12:38-44 or 12:41-44 Full Readings
Giving from the Heart
Brethren today's first and Gospel readings teach us a very fundamental lesson not only for our spiritual growth but also for our daily social living, that is giving from the heart, and when expanded, it includes also that nobody is too poor to give as we learn from Elijah and the poor widow in the first reading. When Elijah went to a poor widow to ask for some food, the woman had only remained with a little flour for her and his son. Nevertheless, the woman prepared for him to eat, and the Lord blessed the woman with more and more food. The Lord blesses the generous giver, the one who gives from the heart like he did to Abel. He however detests the selfish giver like Cain.
This is the same teaching in today's Gospel which gives us a challenge of giving from the heart and not just giving because you have surplus. When I say giving from the heart, I mean giving with love, because we can't talk of the heart without love, and of love without a heart.
Jesus after seeing all the people who were offering to the treasury including the poor widow who offered two small coins, He told his disciples: “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.” Mark 12:43-44.
What did Jesus really mean by saying that a widow gave more than all? Did He mean that those who have much did nothing? No. Did He mean that giving much or having wealth is bad or evil? No. Did He mean that giving small or being poor is good? No. Then what did he mean?
Firstly, we have to understand the context in which he said this. Before praising the widow, He first warns His audience against three Scribe's dangerous attitudes. The desire for prominence and first place of honour rather than lowly service for the benefit of others; the desire for deference and recognition and seeking esteem from others rather than seeking to promote the good of others through humble service and selfless care for others; and thirdly, attempting to use one's position (even a religious position) for self-gain and self-advancement even taking the lowly one's property. Brethren, if we look at these attitudes they are characterised by pride, egoism, showing off and above all, without love.
It is in this context that Jesus praises the window. He praises her to have given more than the ones who put much only because the widow gave from her heart, even all she had for a living. This is giving with love. Of course, others also might have given from the heart, but she was far better than them.
What Jesus wants to teach us today is that our giving should be full of love and from the heart. We should not give only because we have plenty, because we no longer need the thing we are giving or because we want recognition and honour. We should give out of love, and in fact, give that thing which you treasure most not that which is worn out and you no longer need it. This invites us to check our motive of giving, if we give because of our egoistic tendencies, expecting something in return, rather than for the service of the other, then we are not giving truly from our hearts, and it might not benefit us much.
Jesus also teaches us that nobody is very poor not to give something, everybody can give something whether small or big. Provided it is out of love, it will bring a significant change to the receiver, and also give glory to God. Therefore, the size of the gift does not matter, what matters is the reason and attitude behind your giving and the way of giving it. We should not fear to offer whatever we have, provided we give it with the Spirit of love. The value of a gift depends not on its absolute worth, but on the love with which it is given. The value of a birthday present depends on the love which it expresses, and the care which has gone into choosing or making it, not on its worth or quantity.
One can imagine the widow debating with herself: could she survive without these two little coins, if she made this supreme gift to the Lord. What would she have to go without? This paltry gift is a rich expression of her trust in divine love and care, of her wanting to do something for the Lord. The little gift would go unnoticed among the rich offerings put in the treasury but it is a heartfelt expression of her love. Just so with our prayer of praise: it does no good to God, but is for us the joyful outpouring of our love and wonder.
Our invitation today therefore is to heed to this teaching of Jesus, to always give from the heart; to have a desire to do something for the Lord like the widow, and also for others. Reflect today on your Giving. Have you started giving something to God or even your neighbours? Which reason is behind your giving? Is it out of Love and from the heart? Do you always complain that you can't give because you don't have? It's time to heed to Jesus' teaching today. Please try to help even one person who is dying of hunger or any other thing; save life. Remember, St John asks us, "If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?" (1 John 3:17).
Let us Pray.
Almighty, God give us your Spirit to help us understand how good it is to give from the heart and with love and humility. May this understanding lead us to do more good works to our neighbours and give praise to You always. Amen.
Blessed Sunday
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