MIGHTY MITE
“He called His disciples over and told them: ‘I want you to observe that this poor widow contributed more than all the others who donated to the treasury.’ ” —Mark 12:43
Jesus accused the scribes of devouring the savings of widows and making a show of religion (Mk 12:40). Then He commended a widow for putting “all that she had to live on” into the collection box (Mk 12:44). Why did Jesus commend a widow for helping finance the scribes’ misuse of religion to advance themselves?
In this Scripture passage, Jesus does not seem to focus on how the Temple uses money as much as on the spirit of the giver. He focuses on the widow and her mite (her two coins) rather than on the scribes or the contributions made by the wealthy. Jesus looks at the power in the widow’s faith rather than the sinfulness of the scribes. We may be concerned that those in authority could waste our offerings. But actually, those in authority who may be so inclined should be concerned that our offerings given in faith could change their hearts. The power is in the faith, not in the sin.
Prayer: Father, may my money explode with power as I give it by faith.
Promise: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on a merited crown awaits me; on that Day the Lord, just Judge that He is, will award it to me — and not only to me, but to all who have looked for His appearing with eager longing.” —2 Tm 4:7-8
Praise: St. Norbert led a worldly life until a brush with death in 1115. He converted to Christ and, after priestly ordination, reluctantly became Archbishop of Magdeburg in central Germany. He worked with St. Bernard to repair the schism of his time.
