Two Small Copper Coins

While Jesus was teaching in the temple, he said, “How can the scribes say that the Messiah is the son of David? David himself, by the Holy Spirit, declared,

‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet.”‘

“David himself calls him Lord; so how can he be his son?” And the large crowd was listening to him with delight.

As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” Mark 12:35-44

We have traveled a long distance today, saying goodbye to daughters and grand daughter. We have spent two weeks with our lovely family. We are so rich in lovely human relationships, gifted with abundance beyond measure. We may not have mansions, and vacation homes but we have love and know we are love. We had to leave the place I call home, but we know that we are bound there, by relationships and histories that cannot be destroyed.

As the day closes, I ask God to help me always be like the widow. Generous and grateful for this measure of blessing, whatever it might be. May we all be grateful in our little or our much, showing the world tht God is blessing one and all. May we all live like that widow, thankful for the day, the light, for love and for home.