But she quietly and simply gave her small amount to the treasury, oblivious of those religious leaders around her who were vying with one another for esteem. I have always wondered if this Gospel, with its story of the widow s giving generously from the small amount that she had, were placed for reading at this time of year in order to help out Every Member Canvasses. If so, the people who put together our lectionary must have had little experience in a parish because it s about six weeks too late for the story to help the Every Member Canvass. Every Member Canvasses should be wrapping up at this time and not just beginning. I m going to take this story and speak very briefly to what I think is another dimension of the story and something that Jesus touches on more than once in his teachings as they are recorded in the Gospels.
True religion is a matter of the heart .
True religion cannot be measured by exterior actions, but true religion is an interior matter. However , it will issue forth in a way of life, in good deeds. True religion cannot be measured by what people give, or by what people do, or by how people dress, or by how people are judged in the marketplace. True religion is a matter of the heart. The outward forms of religion are very easy to come by, you know, and anyone, sincere or not, can observe them.