One stormy night, a young newlywed couple found themselves stranded on a remote country road due to fallen trees. With no way to continue their journey, they spotted a dimly lit farmhouse and decided to seek help. An elderly couple holding a kerosene lamp greeted them at the door. Explaining their predicament, the young man humbly asked, “Could we spend the night here? A spot on the floor or an easy chair would be enough.”
The elderly woman smiled kindly and said, “Why surely, children. We happen to have a spare bedroom.” Grateful and relieved, the young couple retired for the night. Early the next morning, they quietly dressed, left $200 on the dresser, and tiptoed downstairs, careful not to disturb their hosts. But as they opened the door to leave, they were startled to see the elderly couple asleep in the living room chairs. Only then did they realize the “spare bedroom” had been their hosts’ only bedroom.
This heartwarming story mirrors Luke's Gospel account of the poor widow in today’s readings. Jesus watched as many wealthy people offered large sums at the temple treasury. Then came a poor widow who quietly dropped in two small coins—everything she had to live on. While others gave out of their abundance, she gave out of her poverty, trusting in God as her provider. Jesus praised her sacrificial giving, saying she gave more than all the others.
Selfless Generosity
This widow’s act of selfless generosity invites us to reflect: When we give, what motivates us? Do we seek recognition, a tax deduction, or social approval? Sometimes, at the supermarket checkout, the cashier asks if you'd like to donate to charity. I often feel conflicted. Part of me wants to say “no” until I can research where the money goes. But the self-conscious part of me, aware of others watching, often prompts me to say “yes.”
The widow’s gift wasn’t about the amount; it was about her heart. She gave without expectation, not for applause or reward. She didn’t focus on the little she had but on the God who provides. Her example challenges us to examine our mindset. Do we give with a heart of abundance or scarcity?
A scarcity mindset worries about what will be left. "If I give my time to help someone, will I have enough for myself? If I close my business on Sunday to honor the Sabbath, will I lose customers? If I love without holding back, will anyone love me in return?" This mindset limits us, rooted in fear and self-preservation.
Giving All We Have
In contrast, a heart of abundance recognizes that everything we have—time, resources, energy, love—comes from God. It trusts that the One who provides is faithful and generous. The poor widow gave her all because she trusted God to meet her needs. Her story inspires us to shift our focus from what we lack to the God who transforms scarcity into abundance.
As we reflect on her example, let’s ask ourselves: What holds us back from giving freely—our time, talents, or treasure? Are we trusting in what we have or in the One who gave it to us? The widow teaches us the true meaning of giving—an act of love rooted in trust and gratitude.
- Father Boby's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
