Jesus sat across from the collection box for the temple treasury and observed how the crowd gave their money. Many rich people were throwing in lots of money. One poor widow came forward and put in two small copper coins worth a penny. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I assure you that this poor widow has put in more than everyone who’s been putting money in the treasury. All of them are giving out of their spare change. But she from her hopeless poverty has given everything she had, even what she needed to live on.” (Mark 12:41-44, CEB)
This passage is used all the time for stewardship. Look at this woman and how she has given everything but the others aren’t getting close to what she is giving. It could be moving.
But is she giving because she wants to or because she has to? Is the system set up so that if you are not giving you are not a part of the system? The reading says, “Many rich people were throwing in lots of money.” Those who had money were throwing in large sums because it was expected you would give. So this woman only having two small copper coins has to give. She could have given one, but then she probably doesn’t have enough to live on and she has to give even though she needs both copper coins to live, so now I will just give it all. And we read it as she is a great steward. When in reality the system of religion is making her a slave.
Let us liberate the world with God’s love. Share it as you go.
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 