November 10, 2024.
“Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans.So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them: Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury;for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” (Mark 12, 41-44)
The example of the widow who puts a small quantity in the collection but it is all that she has, is a reference point for our behavior. It is at the same time a practical case about the union between the love of God and the love of fellow man. For us, the Christians, one cannot be united with God if one is not united with one’s fellow man, and at the same time when one is united to God it is easier to be at the service of mankind.
Solidarity and charity are not optional matters for someone who follows Christ. It is not something that we can do our not do without there being no consequence to it being done or not done. Charity, love are obligations, are duties. We connot give excuses to refuse to love. We can put into practice this commmandment one way or another, which our cicumstances and the duty of our posotion will indicate to us. But under no circumstances can we say that our duty or situation doesn’t allow us to love. Not even poverty – of time or of money – is an excuse. Hence the example of the widow and her small alms. We all have something to give. Everyone, including those who also must ask for things, can give something to those in more poverty than they, although it be of another thing that they need.
Intentions: Examine our conscience: Do I do what good I can? Do I give the donation that I can? Do I help whom I can? Do I do the best I can in my profession?