CHRIST the LORD: Both Mark’s and Luke’s accounts include the story of a widow of whom the Lord said: “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood” (Mk 12:43-44). Note the inspired comment in verse 42, “Two mites, which make a farthing.” H.E. Lewis writes: Is that merely the Evangelist’s explanation, or is he quoting Christ? It would have been like Him to give the equation; for no one reckons as He the value of human love. She had two mites. Had she had the farthing in one piece it might have been different; but while there are two pieces there is always room for a double heart. It is not in money only that we are tempted to halve with God. Our talents, our time, our love, our conscience—let us keep half and give God the other! Giving Him all does not impoverish us; it enriches us and others.
