The phrase “widow’s mite” has come into our language from the Gospel passage we have just heard. It illustrates the paradox that, sometimes, in giving much, some people are actually giving very little, while other people, in giving a little, are actually giving an awful lot.
In terms of the actual amount of money, the widow gave less than anybody else to the temple treasury but, in reality, she gave a huge amount, because she gave everything she had.
That paradox is true even in our own lives. There are times when we may appear to be giving very little but, in reality, we are giving a lot, because we are giving as much as we can give. Our health may be troubling us; our energy level may be low because of some personal issues we are struggling with. What we have within ourselves to give is much less than it usually is. In those situations, even giving a little of ourselves can be giving a great deal.
The widow in today’s gospel reminds us that, even when we have little to give, we can still be extremely generous. +
Homily for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Memorial of St. Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio)
Homily for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist
Homily for the Memorial of Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and their Companions
Homily for Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Monday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Epiphany of the Lord
Homily for the Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist
Homily for the Memorial of Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, & Companions, Martyrs
Homily for Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Homily for Saturday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Memorial of Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian
Homily for the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows
Homily for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Homily for the Memorial of St. John Chrysostom
Homily for Monday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Homily for Saturday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time
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