THE WIDOW'S MITE, Devotion for Ash Wednesday, 5 March 20925 Anno Domini, the Anglican Orthodox Communion Worldwide “And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.” (Mark 12:41) You will observe that Christ not only observed HOW MUCH the people were giving, but also in MANNER AND SPIRIT they gave. It is the condition of the heart in giving that makes all the difference! We all are rich in some way or another. We may be blessed with a successful profession or business, or we may be poor but have an abundance of time on our hands that could be devoted to helping some poor, fainting sinner. Our time is definitely a resource from which we should tithe and offer! What is a gold coin to a man who has millions? It may be far more than the yearly earnings of a poor widow, but to the rich man, it is a mere gesture of giving. He will suffer no less opulence at his evening meal, nor be harried by creditors to repay outstanding debts. But what of the poor widow who toils at humble Labors, day in and day out, to provide a simple and humble meal for herself at the day’s end. She may find it difficult to earn enough to pay her rent, or her heating bill, yet she gives to God – not a tenth – but ALL that she has in treasure. “And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.” (Mark 12: 42) The widow arrives just at the moment of the Lord’s expectation. His previous remarks have paved the way for her debut. The Lord is watching the wealthy as well as the poor widow. He is watching to see how you and I share out of our blessings as well. He takes an interest in how we are stewards of His blessings that He has given to us. What are two mites compared to the large gold coins cast into the horn by the wealthy? Some may even have been ashamed to cast in so little after hearing the ringing sound of the large and valuable offerings of the wealthy. But this widow is not giving to attract attention to her generosity – she is giving out of her penury and need. She is unashamed for she has no reason to be ashamed – she has given ALL! Though it is not truly relevant to what the widow actually gave, I found an illustration that is interesting: “It is estimated that if the widow’s mite had been deposited at the “First National Bank, Jerusalem” to draw four percent interest semi-annually, the fund today would total $4,800,000,000,000,000,000,000. If a bank on earth could multiply the widow’s mite to such an astronomical figure, think what treasures this dedicated woman will have in heaven where “moth and rust doth not corrupt.” (Bibleteachingnotes.com) Interesting to note that this sum amount to more monetary cash than in circulation throughout the world today. It is Heaven's ransom. The fact is, the AMOUNT is not the essential thing – it is the HEART of the widow in giving that is important here. “And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury.” (Mark 12:43) Had the others cast in mansions and wagons of golden talents, it would not have risen to the level of this poor widow for she gave all. Are we not called to give our ALL for Christ? Should not our finances reflect our strong commitment to Him? The important thing is not what we give in the church offering while all eyes are watching, but that which is given unseen and unsung. The Word of God is the best measure of counsel we can have. See how Christ frames the issue of giving: “1Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 3But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.” (Matthew 6:1-4)