And He noticed

When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins.  He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.” (Luke 21:1-4)

I’ve listened to many homilies and sermons on this passage from Luke’s gospel.  Most of them end up with the moral of the story “give till it hurts!”  I agree that we need to give from the heart.  We should give in a way that demonstrates true generosity, especially when we’re giving to those less fortunate or for a deserving cause.  Yet today I feel myself drawn to another phrase Luke includes in his story of Jesus and the “widow’s mite.”

“And he noticed.”  I have to think Jesus was the exception in this story.  The other people were probably preoccupied with how much they were giving, and the disciples were probably wondering what Jesus might do or say next.  How often do we in our world of iPhones, consumer obsessions and political mayhem notice and acknowledge a simple act of kindness, generosity, or compassion?

St. Paul tells us to give "not with sadness, nor necessity for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7) Indeed, "God loves a cheerful giver."   True joy only comes through a life of giving.   Joy is the sign of the presence of God.   Godlike cheerfulness comes to us when the needs of another become as important to us as our own.

When we give it shouldn’t be forced on us by the government or by public pressure to make us look good, but with a joyful heart.   We should be happy to give because it makes us like Jesus "who loved us and gave himself up for us” (Ephesians 5:2).  Besides, by being generous to others, we’ll be richly rewarded.   “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Matthew 6:38)

My thought for today is that Jesus “noticed.”  Let’s pray for the grace to live in the present moment and to acknowledge compassion when we see it.  Let’s wrap our arms around the next compassionate moment like it’s the center of the universe.  Let’s be what we aspire to be, the Kingdom of God on earth!