Our church doesn’t pass the plate anymore. By that I mean we don’t regularly hand an offering basket through the rows of congregants on Sunday mornings. The practice was paused during the Covid days, and now one gives either online, or by dropping a contribution into boxes at the back of the sanctuary.

I never watch people drop checks into the offering box, but Jesus did. I wonder how often? One day he observed several rich people dropping in large sums, so it must have been obvious what they gave. Part of the show of wealth, I suppose. But then a poor widow humbly placed two copper coins in the box, worth about a penny. In today’s values, even less than that.

Jesus called his disciples over and said, Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.

Such a challenge. While I try to be a good giver, I don’t hand over everything I have to live on, not even close. Sounds crazy. But I do notice that as I give, God returns his favor. Also, I can give of my time, talents, influence, expertise and labor along with my finances. Opportunities arise on every side.

I don’t have near enough faith to give away everything I possess. Nor do I feel that God is asking me to do so. But this teaching bounces around in my head. What can I give, or what should I give? What needs draw my eyes? Maybe a better way to say it is, what copper coins do I cling to that would serve better by donating them to the kingdom of God?

It’s worth some consideration. A humble widow, giving a minuscule amount, sparked generous giving for two thousand years. God certainly multiplied her gift. He can do the same for you and me as well.

Mark 12:41-44

Photo by Leiada Krözjhen