Preachers love the story of the widow's mite when it's time to ask the church for money. Her example is compelling. She gave everything she had for God's glory. We should all have a desire to do the same, the preacher says.
But as it's been pointed out before, this story may not be best used to support your next capital campaign. This is an instance where Bible chapters and verses hinder our understanding of Jesus. Luke 21 begins with the widow putting her two small copper coins in the temple treasury. Jesus seems to praise her for this act of generosity and obedience. But his focus may not be on her. Instead, Jesus actually wants you to notice the people he just finished talking about in Luke 20. The two passages go together.
In Luke 20, Jesus says to beware of particular religious leaders. The ones focused on prestige and recognition. These are the same people who "devour widows' houses." So, the widow's contribution is not the point. Her act exposed a system that exploited the most vulnerable people. Those who already have so little to give.
In that light, this isn't a story about generosity. It's about injustice, maybe even injustice at the hands of religion.
So, what does this mean for us? Today, it's an invitation to reflect on what expectations we have that, intentionally or not, put undue pressure on those already on the margins. Generosity is never only about money. With as funny as most people get with money, Jesus would still challenge us today. How might our pride, our expectations or our systems harm those we are called to serve?
The religious leaders Jesus observed valued vain praise. They didn't carry a devotion to God that valued integrity, justice or compassion. Our challenge is to live differently, prioritizing compassion, care and God-centered devotion.
Stay blessed...john | 
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