It’s the Thought that Counts

Reflection Date: June 6, 2026 | Saturday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of Saint Norbert, Bishop
Daily Readings: 2 Timothy 4:1-8; Mark 12:38-44

Children of God:
When I was still in the seminary, we used to have benefactors who supported our formation, and most of them we never even met.

Some seminarians had personal benefactors, while others were supported by those who chose to help the entire seminary community.

There was one story I could not forget, shared by one of my formators.

He spoke about a widow from Hong Kong who worked by selling newspapers every day.

Her life was simple, and her income was not much.

Yet, from what she earned, she consistently set aside a portion to support the formation of future priests.

She gave quietly, without recognition, and without expecting anything in return.

She was happy doing it, and that joy was what made her gift even more meaningful.

I sometimes wonder if she ever met any of the seminarians she helped in the Philippines.

Most likely, she did not.

But her generosity reached far beyond distance and anonymity.

Her story remains a gentle reminder that there are still cheerful givers in the world.

In the gospel of Mark, Jesus observed people putting money into the treasury and noticed a poor widow who offered two small coins.

While others gave large amounts, Jesus pointed out that her offering was greater because she gave everything she had.

What are our inspirations for today?

First, God measures generosity by the heart, not by the amount.

Jesus said, “This poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury” (Mark 12:43).

This statement surprised everyone because, in human eyes, her contribution seemed insignificant.

Others gave more in quantity, but Jesus saw something deeper.

He saw the love, trust, and sacrifice behind her offering.

This teaches us that God looks beyond appearances.

What matters to Him is not how big or impressive our gift is, but how sincere it is.

A small act done with love becomes great in His eyes.

A large act done without love loses its meaning.

In our daily life, this invites us to rethink how we give.

It is not only about money but also about time, attention, and care.

Do we give what is easy, or do we give with sacrifice?

Do we give out of abundance, or do we give with trust?

The widow reminds us that true generosity always comes from the heart.

God measures generosity by the heart, not by the amount.

Second, true giving trusts God even in personal scarcity.

Jesus explained, “For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood” (Mark 12:44).

The widow did not give what was extra; she gave what she needed.

Her act was not just generosity; it was an expression of deep trust in God.

This kind of giving requires courage.

It means believing that even when we let go, God will provide.

It is not easy, especially when we feel we do not have enough.

Yet, this is where faith becomes real.

The widow showed that trust in God is stronger than fear of scarcity.

In our lives, we are invited to grow in this trust.

We may not be asked to give everything materially, but we are called to let go of what holds us back—our fears, our attachments, our need for control.

True giving is not losing; it is entrusting ourselves to God who never abandons us.

Now we reflect: When I give, do I focus more on the amount or on the love behind it?

Am I willing to give even when it costs me something personally? How can I practice cheerful and trusting generosity in my daily life?

Children of God:
Greatness in God’s eyes often looks small in the world’s eyes.

True generosity is quiet, humble, and often unseen.

Like the widow, we are invited to give not because we have much, but because we love much.

Our gifts, no matter how small, can also become instruments of grace.