True Generosity
“When Jesus 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)
“When Jesus 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)
Today’s Gospel might be difficult to accept especially in a society where wealth and power are viewed as success and being poor could be viewed as a failure. Jesus noticed that wealthy people offered from their surplus. That means that their offering would not have affected at all their way of living.
In contrast, Jesus acknowledges the great sacrifice that the poor widow did by giving two small coins. This widow offered her whole livelihood. Her generous offering, while small in comparison, was something that she truly needed. It is clear to understand who made the greater sacrifice and has more faith and trust in God.
God loves generous people. Generosity is not only about money. We can all give from our time, talents and treasures. It has been a little over a month after hurricanes Helene and Milton impacted our communities. I witnessed how many people, even in such difficult times, were generous and caring with one another. Communities came together by sharing shelter, food, and clothing among other things.
I pray that we are generous and caring not only in times of trouble. When we give, let us not expect anything in return, but be grateful that we can do so. God, who sees in secret, will reward you (Matthew 6: 1-4).
How can you be generous by giving from your time, talents and treasures?
Dear Christ, King of the Universe, we want to learn from the example of the poor widow of true sacrifice and trust in You. May we grow to be open hearted, to love with joy, and to be generous to others. We ask this through your Most Holy Name. Amen.
José Orlando (Landy) Colón was born and raised in Puerto Rico. His journey to faith started as a teenager after accepting Christ during a Juan XXIII weekend retreat. He has been a resident of the Tampa Bay area since November 2000. Landy is fully bilingual in English and Spanish. He is serving as Liturgy Committee chair and Eucharistic Minister at Resurrection Catholic Church in Riverview. He is also blessed to serve as chair of the Diocesan Hispanic Commission under the Intercultural Ministries of our diocese. His wife Judi and Landy completed the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute program (dosp.org/lpmi) in June of 2023. They have two married daughters, and are the caregivers of Judi’s mother. Landy is a firm believer of second chances, that compassion and mercy are vital to evangelize, and that we should trust God under all circumstances.
