In the Gospel for this year’s 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Mark 12:38-44) we encounter Jesus teaching in the temple, addressing the behavior of the scribes and observing the actions of those who come to offer their gifts. This profound scripture passage invites us to examine our own hearts and the true nature of our giving.
Jesus begins by warning the crowd about the scribes, who love to walk around in long robes, seek honor in the marketplaces, and enjoy the best seats in the synagogues. They appear pious and devout, but their actions reveal a heart that seeks recognition and status rather than genuine service to God. Jesus’ critique of the scribes serves as a reminder for us to be wary of the temptation to seek glory for ourselves in our religious practices. It is easy to fall into the trap of performing our faith for the eyes of others, rather than for the glory of God.
As we continue in the passage, we see Jesus shift His focus to the treasury, where people are bringing their offerings. The Temple Treasury was a room with thirteen boxes, near the inner court of the temple, into which women could enter.
Many wealthy individuals contribute large sums, drawing attention to their generosity. Yet, amidst this display of wealth, a poor widow comes forward and puts in her offering. According to v.42, she put in two copper coins, worth about a penny: literally, “She put in two lepta worth the fourth of an as.” A lepton was the smallest Greek coin. For the sake of his Roman audience, Mark explains the amount in Roman terms (“the fourth of an as,” i.e., about a penny). This little detail points to the fact that since the poor widow gives two lepta, she could have given less.
Jesus, in His divine insight, points out that this widow has given more than all the others combined. Why? Because she gave out of her poverty, while the others gave out of their abundance.
This moment is powerful and transformative. The story of the “widow’s mite” has resonated down the centuries because it challenges our understanding of what it means to give. The widow’s offering exemplifies true generosity—not measured by the amount given, but by the spirit in which it is offered. She gives all that she has, trusting in God’s providence. Her act of giving is a testament to her faith, her love for God, and her understanding that everything she has comes from Him.
In our own lives, we may often feel that our contributions—whether they be time, talent, or treasure—are insignificant in the grand scheme of things. We might think, “What difference can I make?” But this passage reminds us that God does not measure our gifts by their monetary value. Instead, He looks at the heart behind the gift. He sees our intentions, our sacrifices, and our love.
As we reflect on this Gospel, let us ask ourselves: How do I approach my giving? Am I motivated by a desire for recognition, or do I give out of love and gratitude? Am I willing to make sacrifices, even small ones, for the sake of the Kingdom?
In a world that overly values wealth and status, Jesus calls us to a different standard—a standard that prioritizes humility, selflessness, and love. He invites us to be like the widow, who, despite her poverty, understood that true wealth lies in giving ourselves fully to God. So let us strive to give generously, not just in material ways, but in our time, our kindness, and our service to others. And let us pray for the grace to be generous in our giving, to seek humility over recognition, and to trust in God’s provision as we follow the example of the widow who gave all she had.
This Gospel shows us that we should seek to honor God in all that we do, trusting that He sees our efforts and values our hearts. And that’s no nonsense.