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 Thursday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Monday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Baptism of the LORD
Homily for Saturday After Epiphany
Homily for Friday After Epiphany
Homily for Thursday After Epiphany
Homily for Wednesday after Epiphany
Homily for the Memorial of St. John Neumann
Homily for the Memorial of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Homily for the Epiphany of the LORD
Homily for the Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen
Homily for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Homily for the 7th Day in the Octave of Christmas
Homily for the 6th Day in the Octave of Christmas
Homily for the 5th Day in the Octave of Christmas
Homily for the Feast of the Holy Innocents
Homily for the Feast of the Holy Family
Homily for the Feast of St. Stephen
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Life After Ministry
Cast The Word
Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT
The Bible Recap
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)