In my contemplation, I saw myself as the coins of the poor widow. The coins that she possessed were all the things that she had to sustain her life. This scenario portrayed in today’s Gospel tells us about the faithfulness of the poor widow to the law by giving all that she had. She was exemplar in that manner because what she had given was not just a portion but all. She gave everything she had left for herself to survive.

“Be kind to anyone and it will return to you a hundredfold.” This quote from the movie Unforgettable could probably be the disposition of the poor widow in giving all that she had. Her act of kindness and generosity merited praise from the Lord who was pleased with what she had done.

As the coins of the poor widow, I see myself invaluable in the eyes of many yet these coins are more precious in the eyes of the Lord for the one who gave them has a pure heart. The widow’s offering the last two silver coins reminds me of my parents’ blessing when I responded to the call to the priesthood. Theirs also was a generous response. I am their only son but they have fully accepted God’s will and surrendered me to the Church. I was their coin, yet they entrusted me wholeheartedly to the Lord.

I believe that the Lord is very much pleased to see my parents’ sacrifices and acts of kindness. I hope that this gives us also a new perspective on the offerings done by the widow.

By Sem. Peter Collin C. Crisostomo

Today’s Gospel

Mk 12:38-44

In the course of his teaching Jesus said,
“Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes
and accept greetings in the marketplaces,
seats of honor in synagogues,
and places of honor at banquets.
They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext,
recite lengthy prayers.
They will receive a very severe condemnation.”

He sat down opposite the treasury
and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury.
Many rich people put in large sums.
A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. 
Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them,
“Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more
than all the other contributors to the treasury.
For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth,
but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had,
her whole livelihood.”