The phrase "widow’s mite," which finds its origin in today’s Gospel passage, has made its way into the English language as a metaphor describing something small, which exhibits a great generosity of spirit. The widow placed a very small amount of money to the temple treasury but, in giving those two nearly worthless coins, she gave away all that she had to live on. Jesus points His disciples toward her as an example of generosity of spirit. Throughout His ministry, Jesus showed that He believed there was much to learn from the goodness of simple and ordinary people.
Today’s Gospel passage takes place in Jerusalem, shortly before Jesus’ Passion, death, and Resurrection. This woman who gave everything was symbolic of the sacrifice He was about to make on the Cross, giving away everything - His very life - for us. This seemingly insignificant widow, who had practically nothing to give was, in reality, an example of immense generosity.
The widow reminds us that there are saints among us that may go unnoticed. Generosity of spirit is often expressed in simple and ordinary ways. There can be times in our lives when we have very little, but if we are generous with the little we have, we are immensely generous and rich in the eyes of the LORD.+
Homily for Friday of the 5th Week of Lent
Homily for the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the LORD
Homily for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent
Homily for Tuesday of the 5th Week of Lent
Monday of the 5th Week of Lent
Homily for the 5th Sunday of Lent
Homily for Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent
Homily for the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Homily for Thursday of the 4th Week of Lent
Homily for the Memorial of St. Patrick
Homily for Tuesday of the 4th Week of Lent
Homily for Monday of the 4th Week of Lent
Homily for the 4th Sunday of Lent
Homily for Saturday of the 3rd Week of Lent
Homily for Friday of the 3rd Week of Lent
Homily for Thursday of the 3rd Week of Lent
Homily for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent
Homily for Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Lent
Homily for Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent
Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Lent
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