Reading: Mark 12:38-44
I have sometimes wondered how that poor widow’s money was used. Jesus tells us she gave her very last cent. The attitude we give our money with is what counts, but we still would like what we give to be handled honestly and for a good purpose. We don’t want any of it wasted - like the government wastes our tax money.
Jesus spoke about people who “devour the savings of widows” before he pointed out this widow who gave all she had. There is always somebody ready to defraud some kind, generous soul out of her and his last dollar. We must be cautious about anybody coming to our doors, through the mails, or over the phone, with appeals for our money. They are not necessarily from God. Be very careful who pulls the strings of your heart and the strings of your purse over television. Many a person is taken in by charlatans.
Occasionally, a generous and kind person will say to me, “Father, I get so many appeals through the mails from religious organizations that it bothers me when I don’t have enough money to send them all.” Please don’t let that bother you. Some of those organizations could probably pay off the national debt. And if they send you a box of cards or something you didn’t order, you are not morally obliged to pay for them nor even to return them. Just use them - if they are worth using.
We are all to become generous and cheerful givers. But let’s try not to give our money to those who already have plenty, nor to those who will misuse it. And you can feel sure Jesus doesn’t intend for you to bankrupt yourself foolishly and end up in a cardboard box on a sidewalk. Pray first over your contributions. Then if you’re still confused about what to do with your money, give it to me. I’ve always had a yen to see Acapulco.
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