A Reflection from the Fuel Daily Readings App for the 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time. Click here to read the reading.

How often have you been told (or told yourself) to be more responsible with your money? I’m a classic spender, and I’ve heard it all before. Save what you can, plan for your goals, don’t overspend, and give to others if/when you can afford it. Makes sense, right?

Jesus disagrees. He praises what seems to be financial irresponsibility.

Jesus saw the rich and fancy leaders of the day giving very generously out of their wealth to the Temple. A single donation from one of them was big money with lots of potential for good – perhaps it fed many poor families for a whole year. Yet, Jesus doesn’t praise them- he actually condemns them and their ‘smart business tactics’ that actually suck the money right out of the same poor people they’re now claiming to help.

Instead, Jesus praises the poor widow, who put in the kind of money that wouldn’t even fund a single meal from the loose change menu. Even worse – not only did she give practically nothing, it crippled her to give even that little! She didn’t give out of her leftover money or her savings. She gave past the point where it cost her personally. Any responsible financial advisor would tell her: “Lady, you’re not gonna get out of poverty like that!” So why does Jesus choose to praise her?

Jesus praised her donation more than any of the others not because of how much she gave, but because of how much it cost her. That’s what he’s interested in. Why? Because Jesus himself gave up everything. He didn’t give us his leftovers or part of his savings, he fully emptied his account. His sacrifice on the cross cost him everything. Jesus recognises the same heart in the poor widow, and he challenges us to follow her ‘irresponsible’ example.

The question the world asks is “How much did you give?” The question that Jesus asks is “How much did it cost you?”

+ Jesus, thank you for giving me everything you are. Make my heart like yours so I can give, and forgive, without counting the cost. Amen.