Farthings

Jesus sat down opposite the treasury

and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. 

Many rich people put in large sums. 

A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents.

Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them,

“Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more

than all the other contributors to the treasury.

For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth,

but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had,

her whole livelihood.”

Mark 12:41-44

Though your field lay fallow
'neath the sun and rain,
neither plow nor harrow
turned your ground to gain,
worked by none but sparrows
seeking fallen grain,
still Christ makes it hallowed
through the days of pain.

Bring him, then, your harvest,
yet more tares than wheat;
bring your merest farthing;
give him your defeat.
Your despair and darkness:
Lay them at his feet.
What the world has parted
he will make complete.

Come into his temple,
all you lost and least:
wounded, bruised, and tender,
tattered, torn, and creased.
You are still Christ's members,
prophets, kings, and priests.
Come into his shelter;
welcome to the feast!