WATCHWORD:
“…But a hated Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.” Luke 10:33-35
41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” Mark 12:41-44
Meditation:
Two Copper Coins > Two Silver Coins
Street Scene: There’s that guy, standing at the corner, holding a sign: “Homeless. Need food”. Or, maybe the sign reads – “Will Work for Food”. Or, you are on your way into a store and are stopped by a young man who tells you he hasn’t eaten in two days, could you spare some money? Then there is that plea on television showing sad, abused little puppies or kittens, pleading for donations. And, of course, we are asked to help victims of a tsunamis, or the crisis in Ukraine. And all those pleas tend to give us pause when the next “opportunity” presents itself.
I was stopped by that young man just as I was entering the local pharmacy. I found I was at war with myself! How do I get out of this? No, help the guy! No! He might buy drugs! No! He’ll buy food! All in the blink of an eye. In the end, I walked with him across the mall to a Burger King, bought him lunch and we had a good conversation. I learned who he was and that he was trying to get back to his home. I ended up giving him some money. He thanked me and I would swear he was fighting back tears as he lifted his backpack and waved goodbye.
I had a similar incident many years before in Chicago, that didn’t turn out the same. My wife and I had a late dinner and were crossing in front of Water Tower Place about 11:30 p.m. on our way to our hotel. We were approached by a well-dressed woman, seemingly alone, who said she needed money to buy her child milk! We, paused, looked at one another, then said “sorry” and hurried on. Then our mind games began — What if? Was her need real? How about that poor child? Then, are you kidding me!? She was dressed for a party! Where was that “child”? What is she doing this time of night if she is caring for a child? Get real!
What’s with us? Are we distrustful of the needs that seem to find their way to us? Do we wonder how our donations will be spent. Do we read too much into it? Before we give do we check the “administrative overhead” numbers? Do we give only to our alma mater? How about the food drive to help the local Food Pantry? Does our generous nature change when we weigh it against “what will it cost us?” or “Is it tax- deductible?”
Question: When are copper coins worth more than two silver coins?
That is not a trick question. In the parable, the Samaritan trusted the innkeeper to take care of the man and use the silver coins to help him…no contract, no guarantees. He gave without thought of his own gain, only out of compassion for the injured man. He had no “war” within about helping, about giving. What about the widow and her two copper coins, worth perhaps a penny? She gave out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on. All she had, tells that story.
Two who gave no thought to what it cost them personally. There was a greater purpose in their giving. How would Jesus respond to our record of compassion and generosity? Did we give out of our wealth, without pain or questioning our giving? Do we walk away knowing in our heart that we did right in God’s sight? Are we not the recipient of generosity? Are we not gifted? Are we not advantaged? Compassion and generosity: those are two copper coins, what are they worth to you? Are we willing to spare them?
When are copper coins worth more than two silver coins? Their value determined by your purpose for giving. What is the Spirit telling you? May it ever be so.
Prayer of St. Ignatius:
