No. 77, The Widow’s Mighty Mite

For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on. Mark 12:44

This widow was a sharp shooter pool player. She knew that if she shot the ball at the wall opposite the pocket with enough force it would boomerang straight in and she would win the game. She didn’t just trust the ball, she had skill. She also stood on the shoulders of her underdog advantage.

I’m not so sure that any of us could replicate the widow’s mighty might. How many of us are so poor that we could give God our last cent? I don’t agree that giving till it hurts is the same thing. She gave everything.

If you are nearly broke, instead of saving your penny, give it to God. If you have an enemy, love him or her to go in the opposite direction of revenge. If you have no time for yourself, give time to God in prayer and church.

We may not have the mite, but to hit this Mark we must identify that one thing we want and need the most, then give the little we have to God. It could be time; it could be patience. This Mark takes deep thought and creativity.

To be pure of heart is to give one’s whole self to God, to hold nothing back, not a thought, not an action. No doubt, no dirty feet. Live on the Mark, like Saint Simeon the Stylite and others who followed his example and enjoyed an abundant life on top of the tiny platform of a tall spire. The thoroughly devoted life is unusual and immensely rewarding!

This widow demonstrated her purity, and was written up in the Book of Life, now there is something to aspire to!

Peace.