We leave the worst and the last to Him - Lk 21;1-4
The expression "widow's penny" has permanently entered to our language. But I think that we are forgetting its true meaning, which is deeper than giving the last most valuable thing you have. It is not even about praising the sacrifices made by the poor, these little gifts from those who have nothing to give.
Whenever Jesus gave a speech, he always wanted to teach us something, us as His disciples. When Jesus praised someone, He always praised that person's faith, then why he praises the sacrifice in this passage?
Out of her poverty, the woman gave up everything she had. So, she put all her hope in God. This gesture pleased the Lord Jesus.
In Jesus' parables, people sell everything to get something valuable for them. One man sells everything to buy a pearl. Another man sells everything to buy the land in which the treasure is hidden. The rich young man leaves sad because Jesus tells him to "sell everything". After all, a poor widow: gives everything as an offering in the temple
It's the same with us. God doesn't want much or little of us …little or much. He wants everything. He is asking for everything. This is also strongly emphasized by Jesus - who does not give up all that he has, all that is him cannot be My disciple. Whoever wants to save his life will lose it.
This is what this passage is about; not to be attached to anything in this world. To place our hopes only in God and consider Him as the highest value.
The poor widow threw in two coins, even though she could keep one for herself (for the so-called rainy day) and how is it with us? Can we also give everything to God? Leaving nothing for ourselves?
This may be the remains of our money, time, thoughts, emotions, passions or talents. So often we leave the worst and the last to Him. Chasing the whole day, we fall on our faces in the evening to recite the "Our Father", during which we follow sleep several times. We sing to him: "King, Savior" and "I am all yours", and in our daily activities we sweep the most important things under the carpet. And He forgives us all and waits for us with a smile and open arms. It always makes me a little embarrassed to think that He has prepared heaven for us for eternity and I give Him what I have left over.
Until Tomorrow
fr. george