Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We have been talking about how we can respond to God when a crisis develops or when something wonderful happens. Do you take a moment to reflect on that particular event and turn more seriously to God, or do you keep on moving? Do you recognize the gift or just take it in stride and think that nothing much is different? We saw last week that at how giving in light of eternity is an investment for the future; it is the most strategic thing you can do.
This week we are in chapter 21 of Luke’s gospel and it starts off with a very unusual story about giving in the Temple. Jesus is noticing how people give and he sees that rich people are giving great gifts in the treasury. Jesus also sees that “a poor widow puts in two small coins.” This is a big discrepancy. The rich have given a large amount, and a poor widow, who if she was childless, would have a hard time surviving. She had very little and she gave all of it. There is this huge discrepancy which often happens in Luke, and we think the ones who put in a lot have given more. Jesus says the opposite, “This poor widow has put in more than all; for they contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty, put in all she had.”
What the rich put in didn’t cost them anything; the widow’s gift cost her everything. She gave a much larger percentage. It is not the amount that you give but the sacrifice you make to give it. Also for kids. You build a treasure in heaven by giving generously. Did you ever give a whole paycheck?
The gospel we heard Sunday picks up speaking about the temple and Jesus predicts that not one stone will be left on top of another. The original temple was elaborate and beautiful and was being re-done in a massive expansion and renovation under King Herod. Recent archaeology confirms the magnificence of the temple. And the temple in Jerusalem is nothing compared to what God is preparing for you in heaven. The readings remind us of ‘last things,’ which is something we usually don’t like to think about it. So this time of the liturgical year is a grace to help us to reflect a little on heaven. What Jesus predicted came true not many years after he predicted it; it was in the year 70 AD. The temple was destroyed and burned to the ground.
So Jesus commends this woman in what she has given even thought the temple will be destroyed. Shouldn’t he have said to her, better to have put your money back in your pocket since the temple will not last long? But Jesus is speaking about worship, not giving to a need but giving to God. Your need to give which is more important than our need for money.
Giving is an act of worship; how much have you received by coming here on Sundays, some of you for your whole life. Nothing will help you as much as giving. It is all about trusting in God; does he exist, will he help me? This wandering rabbi, Jesus Christ, will abide for ever; everything else will be swept away. Build for yourselves treasure in heaven.
Respond to the blessing that God is giving you. The number one competitor for your heart is your time, your possessions, your money. When you give seriously you will rise to a whole new level of faith in Jesus Christ. Next week we will have Stewardship Sunday in the parish; pray about what your response will be.