The Widow’s Mite
And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:
For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. Mark 12: 42-44
In this scene from the Bible, Christ explains many things about giving. He says that we should not be proud, or try to be noticed when we do good. Righteousness or dharma, is right action. It is the right way to live, and should not be a source of pride or arrogance but of faith and humility.
He commends the poor widow, who gave the least amount of all because of her poverty. Christ said that because she was so poor, she has given more than all the rich people who gave before her.
Paramhansa Yogananda said, “Simplicity of living plus high thinking lead to the greatest happiness.” The spiritual life is understated, it is not showy or proud. The widow’s actions are an example to us of spiritual qualities that the Masters teach we should demonstrate in our lives.
What can we learn today from this ancient and lovely story of the poor widow and her two mites? A simple, humble person, singled out by Christ as an example of how to behave, especially when we are giving and doing good.
Faith
Christ said that the widow gave all she had, all her living. The fact that she gave anything at all speaks of her deep faith in God. She obviously trusted that God would help her and see her through, so she gave what little she had. Christ saw this in her, and used her actions in that moment to teach others. God sees the heart first, and always. What is your intention? Why are you doing this? Are you wanting to do good for others or only yourself? Can you trust in Me? Through her actions, the widow shows her faith and trust in God.
Generosity
The widow gave very little in terms of the amount, but still she gave. Her great gift is her generosity of spirit. She showed us how we can give. Give your God given energy, time, love, compassion, money etc.. These things are not ours, they are from God, thus God given. We are meant to share and exchange God’s gifts with all. Ultimately, the more we give the more we receive. We gain more and more, everyone gains more and more when we live this way.
Humility
Christ points out how proud other people were as they gave their tithes and donations. They wanted others to know what they were doing. Quietly and with humility, the widow simply gives her donation. Being humble is not self negation, but self forgetfulness, this is between her and God alone. It’s probable she prayed as she gave.
Live your life as God wants us to live. Faithfully, humbly and generously give God’s gifts to all. Be God’s channel of plenty in a world of need. There is nothing that we cannot give if we remember we are God’s channels, His hands and feet. His spirit of love, peace and joy flow through us always, sharing God’s bounty with everyone.
And here you can find out more about how Giving can transform your life: “The Joy of Giving” – Campaign
