Reflections
November 20, 2011
Luke 21:1-4
When Jesus looked up He saw some wealthy people putting their
offerings into the treasury and He noticed a poor widow putting in two
small coins. He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more
than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their
surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole
livelihood.”
Reflection:
This poor widow put in more than all the rest. I believe that as a
priest I have offered my life for the Gospel. I do things for people —
preach, minister to them, sit down with them. This may all be true.
But sometimes, when I look back at my life, now that I am almost 25
years in the ministry, I have found the opposite truer. People minister
to me. They sit down for me. They preach to me. They help me live a very
comfortable and wonderful life. They talk to me about their God and
help me live my life. What I give may just be a cent’s worth. What they
offer me is their faith, their life, and their love.
I have been blessed much. And I need to give much. Money and material
things are just excuses for the real giving. The real gifts are those
that come from the heart: Time, care, compassion, faith, trust. The poor
widow gives God not two small coins but her all, her life. God expects
nothing less. Real giving, they say, starts when it no longer hurts
because giving now comes naturally from us.
Plan and work out a community service with your kids.
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