Sacrifice More Than Your Surplus

Gospel Reflection for November 21, 2022

“When he 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 NABRE)

Though the poor woman gave less money to the temple treasury than the wealthy people did, the sacrifice she made was greater than the sacrifices of the others. The rich people offered money only from their surplus wealth, meaning that they had even more provisions they could have offered, but didn’t. The poor women, on the other hand, offered her whole livelihood, and had nothing else to give.

This sacrifice that the woman made exemplifies the profound faith that she had. She trusted in God to provide for her needs and was not concerned in the least about herself.

How much are you willing to sacrifice for your faith? Do you give all that you have to God? Or, do you give to God only what you have from your surplus?

Sometimes we try to “fit” God into our lives, rather than centering our lives on God and making Him our first priority. May we follow this woman’s example and give back to God all that He has given us. Whether it be our money, time, talents, or energy, may we offer to the Lord everything we have, and not just from our surplus.