Reading today’s gospel, the phrase in her poverty caught my attention.  I am left to imagine the extent of her poverty.  Is she homeless?  Are there extended family who can offer support?  Are there days when she has nothing to eat?  Is she burdened by concerns about the health of family members?  Human poverty comes in many forms, some of which are not visible but buried deep within the suffering person.  Perhaps one of the reasons this account is so powerful is because her poverty is not named.  The lack of details lets readers imagine what they might have in common with her story.

Her life might be more difficult than I imagine, but she appears to have abundant faith, hope, and trust in God’s promises, as demonstrated by her actions in the temple.  Her choosing to let go of the two small coins reminds me of the Suscipe of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding,
and my entire will,
All I have and call my own.
You have given all to me.
To you, Lord, I return it.
Everything is yours; do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace,
that is enough for me.

Although I will never know her name, her story is an enduring account of how even the smallest actions can have a lasting influence throughout salvation history.  She knows everything she has is from God and gives her life-sustaining coins back to God.  What seems like a small action on the part of a person of limited social status in antiquity is an inspiration that has lasted for more than two thousand years.    And she reminds me that I never know (besides God) who is watching me or how my actions might influence them. 

Reflection questions: 

What “poverty” do I want to bring to Jesus during the upcoming Advent season?  
What new way can I ease the poverty of the least among us?
Who is watching my actions, and how am I influencing others?