ACC ~ Mark 12 v44b

INVEST WITH THE LORD WHAT HE HAS GIVEN

PAULINUS OF NOLA: We have been entrusted with the administration and use of temporal wealth for the common good, not with the everlasting ownership of private property. If you accept the fact that ownership on earth is only for a time, you can earn eternal possessions in heaven. Call to mind the widow who forgot herself in her concern for the poor and, thinking only of the life to come, gave away all her means of subsistence, as the judge himself bears witness. Others, he says, have given of their superfluous wealth; but she, possessed of only two small coins and more needy perhaps than many of the poor—though in spiritual riches she surpassed all the wealthy—she thought only of the world to come, and had such a longing for heavenly treasure that she gave away, all at once, whatever she had that was derived from the earth and destined to return there. Let us then invest with the Lord what he has given us, for we have nothing that does not come from him: we are dependent upon him for our very existence. … So let us give back to the Lord the gifts he has given us. Let us give to him who receives in the person of every poor man or woman. Let us give gladly, I say, and great joy will be ours when we receive his promised reward. LETTERS 34, 2-4. [1]

[1] Cetedoc 0202, 29.74.2.305.3; JF B 132-33; 2-4; CSEL 29:305-6.

BEYOND WHAT MOSES PRESCRIBED

HEGEMONIUS: In that offering truly something is exhibited that goes beyond what Moses prescribed on the subject of the receipt of moneys. For he received gifts from those who had; but Jesus receives them even from those who have not. THE DISPUTATION WITH MANES 42. [1]

[1] PG 10:1498; ANF 6:217 (Pseudo-Archelaus). The widow transcended the requirements of Mosaic law.

GENEROSITY SEEN IN THE LIGHT OF INTENTION

CHRYSOSTOM: When the widow put into the collection box only two small coins, [1] the master did not give her a recompense worth only two coins. Why was that? Because he paid no attention to the amount of the money. What he did heed was the wealth of her soul. If you calculate by the value of her money, her poverty is great. If you bring her intention into the light, you will see that her store of generosity defies description. ON THE INCOMPREHENSIBLE NATURE OF GOD 6.12. [2]

[1] Cf. Mk 12:41-44; Lk 2:1-4.

[2] TLG 2062.014, 48.750.49-50; FC 72:168-69.