Mark 12

41Jesus 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. 42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins,^j worth only a fraction of a penny.^k

43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

This is one of my favorite stories in the Bible. My first memory of this lesson is from my early childhood when I was as young as my children today. Maybe I am thinking of another verse but I remember Jesus saw the poor woman give all she had and he gave it back to her.

Recalling this verse recently, I was surprised when it was retold in church this week. I was thinking before this Sunday's service of people who give thinking that it will come back to them. The way I see it, some people give more expecting more. I don't know why I give. I guess I feel obligated when the offering plate is passed. Sometimes, I give my last two dollars but I don't think about how I will be rewarded. Instead, I think that even if I give my last two dollars, I know there are some people who are in more financial trouble than I am.

I think about how the Bible tells us to give alms and give to the poor and needy. I can't help wondering though how the person receiving the gifts feels. What goes through the mind of the person standing at a busy intersection asking for spare change as cars stop at a red light?

Does he plan to use the money wisely or as some people presume, use the money for booze? No matter my reasoning, I cannot justify it being any of my business. If I can help someone out, even if it is to buy some vodka to ease their pain, it doesn't matter.

A friend of a friend is a manager of a fast food restaurant. He offered a man a job and was told to get the hell out of his business. These stories keep us from helping each other. Just because one man wanted a fish instead of a pole, there are some of us who deny the help we can offer.

I don't mean to sound full of guilt and and fear but I cannot help wondering if God will ever put me in that position. What if I find myself needing a break? needing some help? needing a connection to someone to feel some sense of self worth? What if I am that person?

It is so hard to ask for help. It is hard to ask for anything. My pride keeps me from reaching out just as much as some people's pride keeps them from reaching out to help the needy. Our needs are all different. Someone might need a dollar and some might need a friend.

So I might give my last two dollars. I might give more. I might help brighten someone's day just by showing interest but I don't do it expecting anything in return. I do it because I think I know how it feels. Yet as difficult as it seems, I know I can't understand completely.

If you think you could never accept a helping hand, accept a kind gesture or a random act of kindness, thank your maker that you have never needed one.