Give Until It Hurts

Nov. 10, 2024

I think we are all inspired by the generosity of the woman in the Gospel story of the widow’s mite. A very poor widow, probably dressed in rags, approaches the temple area. Because she saw so many wealthy and powerful people dressed in fine robes, she was probably embarrassed. She saw them putting large sums of money into the treasury, while she had only a few coins, all that she had to live on, to contribute. But Jesus saw her and noted that she had donated more than any of the rest, for she gave from her want, while they gave from their plenty.
   
Jesus sees you and me. He knows if we are people of generosity, giving, as Mother Theresa used to say, until it hurt, or if we are giving only what feels comfortable to us. One of the clearest ways we can look at ourselves and evaluate how much we have grown in our love of God is to look at our generosity. Grateful people are generous people.

This is not just about generosity to the Church, though it is important that we try to be generous in helping the Church fulfill its mission of bringing Christ to the world, and to caring for the poor. Giving to support those groups that give support to the poor and needy is incredibly important. As Jesus said, “Whatsoever you do (or do not do) for the least of my brothers and sisters, you do (or do not do) to Me.”
—Fr. Mike Comer