"For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.” – Mark 12:44
If you were asked the question, “Who’s your hero?” How would you answer? Often people say a parent or grandparent, someone who sacrificed everything for the good of his or her children. Others might name a soldier, firefighter, or police officer – someone who has risked his life or even died to protect others. These people are declared heroes, and rightly so, but what makes that true?
At the heart of heroism is generosity. Our heroes are those who have set aside their own comfort by giving everything for our good or the good of another person. Jesus explains this concept to us in this Sunday’s Gospel by using the example of a poor widow. Even though her gift was small, it was generous, because it was “all she had”.
As part of our Christian job description, we are called to be heroes. We are called to follow the widow’s example and give everything – all our time, all our possessions, our entire heart and our entire selves – to God and those in need. Imagine what the world would be like if every person truly lived out this teaching of the Lord!
It is a difficult task, and one that I personally fail at every day. Yet, Jesus does not ask us to do the impossible, so we must continue to strive to be more generous. How can we do that? Well, the first step is trust. The greater our confidence in God’s providence, the more likely we will be to let go of the false security blankets that hold us back…things such as our money, our possessions, or even our desire for control.
Ultimately, the Lord is our one, true refuge and source of security. We will only be capable of the radical kind of self-gift to which Jesus has called us when we really believe that God will provide for all our needs no matter what happens.
Like any virtue, the practice of trust and generosity is built little by little. So, start small. Accept little inconveniences in your daily life with confidence that God will bring good out of these difficulties if you unite them to the Cross. Also, take little risks. Abandon yourself into the arms of the Lord, and you will slowly come to see that He will always catch you.
He will catch you, because He loves you. He really, truly, actually loves you despite your flaws. He loves you because He is good, even when you are not. He cares for you and wants only what is best for you.
This is key, because if we cannot accept God’s love, then we will never trust the Lord, and if we do not trust Him, we will never feel secure enough to give everything away. Instead, we will fall into the trap of chasing after false gods and their empty promises that inevitably turn us inward and make us selfish and unhappy.
Instead, be assured God loves you. Entrust your whole life and all you have to Him, and you will be filled with joy. Love others, and you will be a hero.
Heavenly Father, we place our lives in Your hands. We praise you for your goodness and for the rest and comfort we find in Your presence. Help us to share our gifts and all that you have given us with those most in need, amen.
