Breaking the Word

While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, he said, "All that you see here– the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down." Then they asked him, "Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?" He answered, "See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and 'The time has come.' Do not follow them!  When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end."  Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.(Lk 21: 5-11)

The Temple in Jerusalem signified everything for the people of Israel. It was their focal point; it was their symbol and sign. Every Israelite had his eyes fixed on the temple. He was recommended to visit three times in a year (he must do so at least once a year). It was the sign of God’s presence. When Jesus said that this temple was going to be destroyed then that would mean the destruction of the people of Israel.

No one would want to see the destruction of the temple. So they asked when this would happen. Jesus’ answer does not reply them directly rather it shows the concern of Jesus for his disciples regarding the last days or the end time. He is concerned that they should not be deceived by anyone coming in his name. This warning is on the religious grounds.

He also warned his disciples on socio-political and natural grounds. There will be wars and political wars; plagues and famines and earthquakes; and there will be signs in the sky. All these things will happen and they should not be carried away by all these. They should be faithful to the person Jesus: cling on to th person Jesus and not carried away by religious, socio-political and natural happenings. 

When he looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury  and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins.  He said, "I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest;  for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood." (Lk 21:1-4)

Jesus was watching the people putting money into the treasury. It is said that there was a collection box at the entrance of the temple and the money gathered there was used for the maintenance of the temple. Since this was outside the temple even foreigners and women could offer their gifts to God.

Jesus also noticed a poor widow putting in her contribution. But the truth is that she needed to be cared for because she was poor and also she need assistance because she was a widow. In fact she should be on the receiving end. She has contributed here. Jesus underlines the action of her and makes it known to all.

Jesus appreciates and acknowledges here contribution because she has not given anything from the surplus of her wealth but rather she has given all what she had for her living. By giving she loses here livelihood whereas others do not lose anything because what they give is only from the surplus. Giving should make us suffer, it should pain us and it should make lose something.