Offertory

There is more to the offertory at Mass than just giving alms or donations. It is also a time where we are given the opportunity to give worth to God, to show God (in practical terms) how much He means to you, in short, it is an act of worship. However it is not how much we give that matters, rather it is how much we are willing to give. The following passage illustrates this exactly...

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."

Mark 12:41-44

The rich gave their leftovers, whereas the poor widow gave everything and relied on the leftovers. More than an act of worship, this has become her act of faith in God - her belief that God is and will be providential. To take this even further, this act of offering gave her the opportunity to grow closer to God, as she relied less on herself and more on God - literally surrendering herself to God.

Just a thought which I would like to remember. :)