Common Cents

[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 columist 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 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. - Cindy Hess Kasper


One grace each child of God can show
Is giving from a willing heart;
Yet, if we wait till riches grow,
It well may be we'll never start. - D. De Haan

God looks at the heart, not the hand; the giver, not the gift.

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Mark 12:41-44

Jesus sat down opposite the treasury, and saw how the multitude cast money into the treasury. Many who were rich cast in much. A poor widow came, and she cast in two small brass coins, which equal a quadrans coin.

He called his disciples to himself, and said to them, "Most assuredly I tell you, this poor widow gave more than all those who are giving into the treasury, for they all gave out of their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, gave all that she had to live on.

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