Четверг

(1 Pet.4:12–5:5; Mark 12:38–44) The widow put two mites (half a mite, approximately) into the treasure vault (in the church mug); and the Lord said that she put in more than everyone else, although others then put in rubles and tens of rubles. What gave the upper hand to her contribution? The location with which the offering is made. Do you see what is the difference between doing good that is soulless, according to custom, and doing good with soul and heart? It is not the external setting of the case that gives it its value, but the internal location. This is why it happens that a deed that is outstanding in all respects has no value before God, but a deed that is insignificant in appearance is valued at a high price. What follows from this is self-evident. But don’t you think of neglecting the external, planning to limit yourself to the internal. The widow would not have received approval if she had said to herself: I also have a desire to contribute, but what should I do? All I have is two mites. Give them back - I'll have nothing to do with it. But as she had a desire, she did so, giving her life into the hands of God. And if she hadn’t put in anything, no one would have condemned her, neither people nor God. But then she would not have shown such a disposition that distinguished her from others and made her famous throughout the Christian world. You might be interested in: