Religious Education Faith Reflection and RE News 

This poor widow has put more in than all who contributed

Matthew 12:38-44

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the poor widow. He warns us to be wary of the scribes who walk around seeking praise from others, for they will not be rewarded in heaven as they have already received their reward. Jesus then sits by the treasury and watches the wealthy come forward, each contributing a great deal of money. Then, a poor widow comes by and puts in two small coins. Jesus says, “I tell you solemnly, this poor widow has put in more than all who have contributed to the treasury; for they have all put in money they had over, but she, from the little she had, has put in everything she possessed, all she had to live on.”

There is a powerful message in how Jesus views the world—one that we can consider from different perspectives. Jesus teaches us that it doesn’t matter how much money or wealth we possess; what truly matters is how we use it to help others. On one hand, this is very democratic; it means that each of us, no matter how little we have, is able to give in a way that

 makes a meaningful difference. On the other hand, it challenges us to reflect on our intentions when we give. Are we donating or offering help only to the extent that it doesn’t inconvenience us? Or are we genuinely making sacrifices to benefit others? For Jesus, a person who contributes in a way that has little impact on themselves but makes a large visible impact may be seen less favourably than a person who, despite only being able to make a small contribution, gives all they can.

This message calls us to reflect on how much we are truly giving. Are we only doing the minimum, giving lip service to appear generous, or are we wholeheartedly committed to making a difference, even if no one else notices? We might consider ways to give more genuinely. We could look for opportunities to give not only financially, but also of our time and attention, especially to those who are often overlooked. We might choose to make small sacrifices that allow us to contribute in ways that are personally meaningful, and we could strive to help without seeking recognition.

By Jonathan Rooney 

Religious Educaiton Leader