It is interesting that woven into this year’s black Friday that just passed and cyber-Monday that is gathering momentum as the sun rises, is the Gospel account from Luke of the Widow’s might today. The extravagance of getting and grasping is tempered by a poor widow coming to the Temple treasury to give two small copper coins, which does not seem like anything but as Jesus points out to his disciples, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood” (see Luke 21:1-4).

As the final week of the liturgical year draws to a close and we are about to begin the Advent Season and a new liturgical year this Sunday, we may want to give ourselves some time to meditate on this passage and this woman’s generosity. For she, destitute herself, was giving all she had to the poor.

She was not grasping or seeking to get, but to give as Mother Teresa taught, “until it hurts.” For the gospel call is not to give out of our abundance, our “surplus wealth”. Implicit in this teaching and invitation is our reliance and trust on God. If we give all we have, what then will we do? How will we eat, pay our bills, get medical treatment? All valid questions. Do we trust that as we give, God will reply in kind?

The answer to how much we give, will come from each of our own personal dialogues and openness to Jesus. As we pray and open our hearts, what are the causes that move us?

JoAnn was moved by other’s sufferings, especially children. One cause she would give to was St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital because they provided care and hope for children with cancer and their families. After JoAnn died, I felt moved to give them a recurring monthly gift instead of the bi-annual gift we used to give. This decision did not happen overnight, but once I made it, I have continued, even when I was accepted into the seminary and gave up my teaching salary.

I continued to trust God and he has more than provided. Jesus is inviting us to give to those who are in need. Who that is will be different for each of us. There is so much need, the Holy Spirit will touch each of us uniquely as to where we can help. Giving of our time, talent, and treasure is always a good model to follow.

Maybe this week and as we enter Advent this year, we can spend some time sitting next to Jesus in this scene from today’s Gospel and ask him how much and to whom we can give. Maybe as the widow walks away, we can join her and walk beside her. She who was moved by her heart to give all, would be an excellent guide to lead us on how best to give.

Painting: The Widow’s Might by James Christensen

Link for the Mass readings for Monday, November 27, 2023