November 21

Luke 21:1-4
He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 Truly I tell you, he said, this
poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their
wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.

PACKAGED WITH LOVE

Today's Gospel reminds me of a video clip I saw of a person who gave a big amount of money to
a homeless man asking for alms. He was curious as to how the man was going to spend the
money. So he secretly followed and filmed the man who was completely unaware of what was
happening. The man, carrying a sack that contains everything he had, entered a liquor store.
Much to the persons surprise, the homeless man proceeded to a park and began giving away
food he bought from the store to other homeless people there. When finally the person showed
himself, he asked the homeless man why he did what he did. He said he did not know the other
homeless people, but he fed them anyway. He added: ...There are some things money cant buy.
I get happiness out of what I am doing.

Most of the time, we equate the word giving with sharing the material treasures we have,
including money. However, todays gospel puts giving into the realms of sacrifice, to give even
if we are left with nothing. Giving is seen in the smallest things, in the simplest of acts. With
much love to the one who will receive and with dependence on God who takes care of all our
needs, we could give just as much as the poor widow in the Gospel. It will never be about the
worldly value of what we give. It is always about the gift packaged with much love.

Guide Questions: How do I show charity to strangers?