A renowned pediatric cancer doctor at a prominent children’s hospital in London once received an award. He was recognized not only for his exceptional work, but the compassion and kindness he showed while caring for his patients. He founded a pediatric cancer research center and was known for spending time with young patients and their families, often playing games and always offering support to everyone he encountered.
When he was asked what shaped his approach to medicine, he shared a poignant memory from World War II involving an American soldier. As a six-year-old orphan in a bleak London orphanage, he experienced a lonely Christmas. One day, two American soldiers, whose jeep had broken down, visited. One soldier sat beside him, pulled out some chewing gum, and engaged him in conversation. He listened intently and, before leaving, spun the boy around until he was laughing. This soldier returned several times with gifts of apples, candy, eggs, and a toy truck. After the soldiers departed for the invasion of Europe, the boy was adopted by a loving family, but he never forgot the kindness of that young soldier.
This story reminds us that small gestures—like a piece of chewing gum or a moment of attention—can make a lasting impact. It parallels the two widows we hear about in today’s scriptures. Neither gave much in terms of material wealth—a small cup of water, a little cake, two coins worth about a cent—but they gave everything they had. Their contributions resonate through time.
Many of us mistakenly believe that the more we do for God, the better Christians we become. We often gauge our faith by how much we work for the Church, how much we give, or how many prayers we say. While striving to do more is commendable, what happens when we find ourselves unable to contribute as we once did? Do we feel worthless, especially the elderly and the sick who may struggle to attend Mass or give as generously as before?
In today’s Gospel, Jesus reorients our perspective. The widow is praised not for the amount she gave, but for her faith and total reliance on God. It’s not about the size of the gift, but the heart of the giver that matters.
Jesus holds up these two humble women as examples for us to admire. Think of those He praised: the Good Samaritan who cared for the wounded; the forgiving father in the story of the prodigal son; the master who generously compensated his servant; the Roman Centurion who sought healing for his slave; and Zacchaeus, who gave half his possessions to the poor.
What do these figures have in common? They gave what they could, they cared for others, and they had faith. May we be inspired to do the same, and may God grant us that wisdom.
