As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” Luke 21:1-4
“In the matter of piety, poverty serves us better than wealth, and work better than idleness, especially since wealth becomes an obstacle even for those who do not devote themselves to it.
Yet, when we must put aside our wrath, quench our envy, soften our anger, offer our prayers, and show a disposition which is reasonable, mild, kindly, and loving, how could poverty stand in our way? For we accomplish these things not by spending money but by making the correct choice.
Almsgiving above all else requires money, but even this shines with a brighter luster when the alms are given from our poverty. The widow who paid in the two mites was poorer than any human, but she outdid them all.”
John Chrysostom (347-407) in Saints’ Quotes: Holy Quotations for Purification of the Soul, Collection on Alms.
I am learning on my journey that what the widow does here is entrust herself to God’s care. This is always the correct choice. It’s never, ever easy, but God’s care is always faithful.
I have arrived in Ethiopia. Meeting up with Miemie Spies, our videographer from South Africa, and Ruthie Cristobal, GTP VP of Partnership and Communications, from the Philippines.
We will fly to Malawi today to travel the country gathering photos and video to report the progress of Palmful of Maize, the local giving project inspired by Handful of Rice.
When, out of their poverty, people give what they have to God, amazing things happen. At GTP we have invested what we have to help bring about the transformation of a nation.
Soon you will see and hear the stories. For now, I invite you to make the right choice. Don’t spend what you have today, but give it to God. Please make a gift to GTP for our work here.