It is not how much the widow gives that makes causes Jesus to praise her. It isn't even really because it is such a large percentage of what she has. Jesus commends the fact that she is able to give this way because of her trust in God. This is why she is contrasted with the scribes. They are too self-focused. Their gifts will always be tainted. Their offerings will always be vanity projects unless they learn to put God first. They will find themselves unable to their whole livelihood if they are called to do so. If they try give themselves away they don't have God to fall back on. But the widow does.
This is how Tobit is so ready to bury the dead even in the middle of dinner. It is ultimately what allows him to trust God to heal Sarah of the demon that afflicts her when all of her previous husbands have died. He, in a sense, offers God his whole livelihood on his wedding night.
The LORD is faithful. He can be trusted. We need to give him our whole hearts so that we can fall back on him even if we give away our entire livelihood. This is the secret of the martyrs and it can be our secret as well. Just look at Tobit. He proves that "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them" (cf. Psa. 34:7).
When God is faithful we should proclaim and celebrate it. We should tell the world that even when we are out of our depth we can count on God. Especially when we are taken beyond ourselves we reveal God's power and faithfulness.
Thank God! Give him the praise and the glory.
Before all the living,
acknowledge the many good things he has done for you,
by blessing and extolling his name in song.
Honor and proclaim God’s deeds,
and do not be slack in praising him.
A king’s secret it is prudent to keep,
but the works of God are to be declared and made known.
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