Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Common Cents

Mark 12:41-44
[Jesus said,] “This poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury.” (Mark 12:43)
In 1987, Mike Hayes, a freshman at the University of Illinois, found a unique way to finance his education. He convinced a popular columnist at the Chicago Tribune to ask his readers to “send in a penny for Mike.”
“Just one penny,” Hayes said. “A penny doesn’t mean anything to anyone. If everyone . . . looks around the room right now, there will be a penny under the couch cushion . . . or on the floor. That’s all I’m asking. A penny from each of your readers.”
In less than a month the fund was up to 2.3 million cents. Donations came in from all over the US, as well as Mexico, Canada, and the Bahamas. Mike eventually ended up with $28,000!
The common cent just isn’t worth much—unless it’s added to a whole bunch of other pennies. The woman we read about in Mark 12 gave the equivalent of a fraction of a penny, which was “all that she had” (v.44). But Jesus honored that little bit.
The widow’s sacrifice was an example and an encouragement to the disciples—and to us. She gave all she had. Have we ever been so generous? Jesus used an unnamed widow to teach us what giving is all about.
It was less than a cent, yet it was a priceless gift of love to God.
PRAYER
God teach us to give from a willing heart just like the woman with two copper coins who put in the treasury with all that she had.Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
God looks at the heart, not the hand; the giver, not the gift.
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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