Some of us spare no expenses or effort when we want or desire something. We would make much effort to save, work hard and work smart, so that we would hopefully and eventually achieve or attain what we want or desire. For example, if what we want or desire involves a life-long marital relationship, we would find ways and means to impress the other person, and show how much we care and how much we are willing to sacrifice for that person, with the hope that one day, the person would accept our proposal to be our spouse. If we want to attain a degree or higher qualifications, we would work hard and drive ourselves hard to attain it.
But if we step back and ponder for a moment: all these efforts are to satisfy our own needs and wants. The question is: how much are we willing or prepared to give to God, be it our time, our talents or our wealth? We often forget that all that we have is a gift from God. God has given us everything that we need and yet we often find it so hard to give back to Him. There are countless ways we give back to God, some of which include monetary contributions to the church, by helping the poor, by sacrificing our time and effort to further the Church’s mission, by getting involved in various church ministries, the list goes on. But let us ask ourselves honestly, are we really giving, or are we merely offering what we can spare?
Today’s readings challenge us to give our all to God, to give our best and to give our lives to Him. In the first reading, we come across the non-Jewish widow who is asked to share her last meal with the prophet Elijah. God rewards her generosity by allowing her food to never be totally spent. In the Gospel, the poor widow puts in only two small coins, an insignificant amount to some, and nothing compared to big sums donated by the rich. And yet Jesus praises her action because “she from the little she had has put in everything she possessed, all she had to live on.” The poor widow shows us what total self-giving means.
Jesus gave His life as a sacrifice so that we may be saved. Jesus has given his 100%, He has held nothing back.What about us? How much are we prepared to give to God? Are we being very calculative? Are we trying to hold back many things because they give us security? Let us reflect over our own willingness or unwillingness to make sacrifices for God, and may we be willing and humble enough to give our all to God, just as Jesus has given His all to us.