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PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
Jesus, help me give a little extra to people in need! Amen.

At the temple (like a church), Jesus saw people putting money into the collection baskets. Some were rich and put in a lot, but one poor woman only put in two coins. "She gave more than all the others," Jesus said, "because they were rich and gave their extra money, but she gave everything she had."

At this time of year, a lot of schools and churches are starting to collect donations for the holidays: food for Thanksgiving baskets, presents for kids or coats and warm clothes. All of these donations are given to people who are poor and in need.

If you've been able to help out with a collection like that, it's probably because you had extras to give. This week's Gospel (Mark 12:38-44) is about someone who didn't have extra, but gave anyway.

When you hear about a collection of toys, clothes or money, you might feel reluctant to give at first. It's not that you don't have toys you don't play with or a spare jacket; you just don't really want to give them away.

In the Gospel story, the woman Jesus saw didn't have anything extra to give. She put the only coins in her pocket into the collection. Jesus pointed her out because it was sad that, having nothing, she still felt like she had to contribute. He wanted people with extras to know they were the ones who should be helping her.

It's understandable to feel a little sad when you give away an old favorite toy or jacket, or put part of your allowance into a collection. But it won't make much of a difference in your life - you'll still have a coat and toys - so why not do it?

When we give, Jesus sort of wanted us to feel uncomfortable. He knew that most of us weren't giving up everything, because He saw a woman who did just that.[[In-content Ad]]

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