The Widow’s Mite

5. Jesus  was seated opposite the offertory box, watching the way in which people dropped their money into it, and noticing that many of the wealthy were putting in large amounts.  A poor widow  also came and put in only two small coins in the amount of a farthing31. Then, having called his disciples, he said to them, “Verily I say to you that this poor widow  has given more than what all the others have put into the offertory box, for they have all given of their abundance,  whereas she has given of her poverty – everything  she had and everything that was left for her to live on.” (Mk. 12:41-44; Lk. 21:1-4)

6. Many people regret not being able to do as much good as they would like because they lack sufficient resources; if they desire wealth, they say it is so that they can put it to good use. Their intention is of course praiseworthy and might be quite sincere for some; however, could it be, without question, completely disinterested? Might  there  not  be  those  who,  even though desiring to do good to others, would be quite happy to start by doing good to themselves, to give themselves a few more pleasures and to obtain a few of the superfluities they now lack, saving the leftovers to give to the poor? Such ulterior motives, which they perhaps conceal but which they could find in the depths of their heart – if they were willing to search there – annul the merit of the intent, for true charity entails thinking of others before thinking of oneself. The sublimity of charity in this case would be to find within their own work, and by using their own strength, intelligence and talents, the resources they lack to accomplish their generous intentions; that would be the sacrifice most pleasing to the Lord. Unfortunately, the majority dream about the easiest way to become suddenly rich without having to make any sacrifice. They run after chimeras such as hidden treasures, some favorable random chance, an unexpected inheritance, etc. What is to be said of those who hope to find helpers among the spirits to assist them in searches of such a nature? Obviously, they neither know nor understand the sacred objective of Spiritism, and even less the mission of the spirits whom God allows to communicate with human beings; in this, they are also punished by deceit. (The Mediums’ Book, nos. 294, 295)

Those whose intentions are pure of any personal interest ought to console themselves with their powerlessness  to do all the good they would like to do; they should think of the mite of the poor who give by depriving themselves, but which weighs more on God’s scales than the gold of the rich who give without denying themselves anything. The satisfaction would of course be great in being able to alleviate poverty on a large scale, but if it is not allowed, one must accept the fact and limit oneself to doing what is possible. Moreover, is gold the only thing that can dry tears and must one remain inactive by not possessing it? Those who sincerely desire to be useful to their brothers and sisters will find a thousand opportunities; let them seek and they will find them, if not in one way then in another, for there are none who, enjoying the full use of their faculties, cannot render some sort of service, provide some consolation, mitigate physical or mental suffering, or do something useful. In spite of a lack of money, cannot everybody give a portion of the effort, time and repose they have available? This is also the obol of the poor, the widow’s mite.