Trusting in God’s Providence

The widow’s act of giving reveals her profound trust in God’s care. In giving all she had, she places herself completely in God’s hands. This act reminds us of the story from 1 Kings in today’s first reading, where another widow, facing scarcity, shares the last of her food with the prophet Elijah. She, too, chooses to trust in God, and God blesses her generosity by ensuring that her jar of flour and jug of oil never run dry.

These examples challenge us to ask ourselves: do we trust God with our whole lives? We might wonder what will happen if we give of ourselves fully—our time, our talents, our resources. But these widows remind us that God, who is generous beyond measure, will not abandon those who place their trust in Him.

In contrast to the widow’s humble gift, Jesus criticizes the scribes who flaunt their religious status, seeking admiration and honor. They perform religious duties publicly, but their actions are centered on self-promotion, not service to God. Jesus warns us against practicing our faith for show. Instead, He calls us to examine our motives, ensuring that our love for God and neighbor is sincere and not tainted by self-interest.

Today, we are called to ask ourselves: what is at the heart of our giving? Are we motivated by a sincere love for God and others? The widow’s example reminds us that when we give from a place of humility and love, even the smallest gift becomes an offering that is precious in God’s eyes