My Widow's Mite

Caroline Godin reflects on the story of the Widow’s Mite and the times she has had little to give. 

The Little Mite 

I still remember how I loved the Lord as a child. I loved Him with such innocence and frailty. My parents, like many parents, would let my brother and me take turns putting the donation in the basket during Mass. It was a simple but special job and we both enjoyed it. 

One day, I decided I wanted to put my own money in. I had a quarter. I stuffed my hand in my pocket during Mass and felt its ridge, flipping it over and over. It made a good fiddle. 

I thought of a poor child receiving this quarter and prayed for him or her. I even made the Sign of the Cross with my finger on the coin right before the basket came. I plopped it in with a smile. 

I didn’t understand how donations worked. Cute to think that I imagined someone receiving my physical quarter. Sad to realize how useless that amount is nowadays. But … who knows? The Lord does incredible works with faith the size of a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20). 

Just Enough 

When we bought our first house, we struggled financially. It was a tiny two-bedroom with about 700 square feet of living space. The kitchen had a slope that my son would use to race cars. We could barely make ends wave at each other from a distance let alone meet. 

On occasion, we used the food pantry for a bit to help feed the kids. (Boy, did that change how I donate food!) I remember my daughter visiting a friend and being astonished that her friend had her own room and it was so big. She and her brother shared an eight-by-ten room with a bunk bed. It was just enough. 

Despite all that, we prioritized Sunday Mass and made our weekly tithe. It wasn’t a traditional tithe. We didn’t have ten percent of our income to spare. It was what we had. It was just enough. 

The Widow’s Mite 

My mother-in-law has a card with an aged coin attached. The card tells the story of the Widow’s Mite. 

He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.” (Mark 12:41-44) 

My Widow’s Mite 

Over the years, we’ve had ups and downs, financial stability and trouble. I’ve learned to conserve when necessary, but I always try to conserve enough to give. Sometimes my widow’s mite has been a smaller amount. Sometimes it’s been better. My widow’s mite isn’t just financial; it could be time given. I volunteer as a catechist and lead Children’s Liturgy. I’ve given my talent—such as it is—in food, writing, or activity planning. 

Do I give my “whole livelihood” like the widow? Probably not. I can always give more of myself and I work on that. My widow’s mite is a work in progress, like the rest of me. 

My love for the Lord hasn’t gone away; it’s matured and it’s still growing. As I understand the world more, I also understand His path for me more. It’s windy but He guides me. I falter but He’s got me. 

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I’ve learned to conserve when necessary, but I always try to conserve enough to give. #CatholicMom

Your Widow’s Mite 

Lent is a time we’re called to reflect on many things. The way we give is what matters, not the amount. We are called to pray, fast, and give alms. In giving, we must remember the poor. How can we help those in need from where we are? They may not receive your literal coin, but the effects spread, and your prayers can enhance that. When you support the church, you support the whole mission. When you give to charities, food drives, shelters, and clothing drives, you put in what you have, and it helps. 

What time, talent, or treasure can you offer this Lent—or any time—to be your widow’s mite? Can you help at Mass by bringing up the gifts or handing out bulletins? Can you volunteer for something? Maybe you can cook or bake for an upcoming event? Even if it’s small, the blessing comes from the heart. The Lord sees you. He knows what each effort you make means. Let us keep giving what we can when we can and let the Lord use us for His Kingdom and the glory of His Name. 

Copyright 2024 Caroline Godin
Images: Canva