Ordinary 32

Following the examples of the widows means "sacrificial giving". Bible calls for 10% tithe in thanksgiving before all else. Sacrificial giving is variation of tithe: 5% in Offertory and 5% in Charity (BAA, Second Collections, Special needs). Even 5% would be a dramatic increase for most Catholics.

Catechism of the Catholic Church lists as sins against charity: Ingratitude. In the Offertory we give thanks to God for the gifts He has given us, "the work of human hands". What do our gifts really say about our thankfulness? In most cases (poor, youth, and people on fixed incomes excluded), anything less than $10 is disrespectful and does not show thanks for what God has done for us. It would also consider it as a sin of injustice: not fulfilling our obligation to support the work of the church and expecting others to make up for what we have kept for selfish use. That also means the sin of disobedience is involved because we are disobeying a law of the Church that requires all Catholics to contribute to the material support of the Church according to his/her means (Tithe).

Support of the Church must be accountable and responsible. I give an accounting of Church expenditures and work with the Finance Committee to use the money given for the best interests of the Church. What you give is not just between you and God. What you give to the Church is between you and me. What you give beyond that in charity is between you and God.

The story of the widow's mite was not meant to teach that even a small offering is acceptable. The point was a "sacrificial offering" and "trust in God".