Gospel Reflections for November 8 2015
Jesus sees a sincere heart…
If you wanted the results of the Republican or Democratic Debates in the last few weeks you were in luck. Results always come in quickly, and because of our highly wired social media world, even instantly!
If you wanted the results of the woman’s donation to the poor in today’s Gospel, you could know that instantly as well …she accomplished absolutely nothing for the poor!
What she gave, which was all that she had, was so small in ancient monetary value that it could not actually help anyone at all. Anyone looking on would not be impressed, or even take notice. However, Jesus instantly notices not what she gave, but how she gave, and tells everyone how deeply impressed He was at her commitment. The woman made a profound gift of “all she had” …her entire self! What kind of poor person does that?
Jesus instantly knows that only a person with a large and generous heart makes that kind of contribution, and He is profoundly grateful. While others gave larger gifts that attracted public attention, Jesus also noticed their insincere hearts. They gave in highly visible and ostentatious ways just to be publicly seen as generous, while the woman gave personally and privately only to express her genuine love. It is her love that Jesus recognizes and praises.
She must have thought deeply about her gift beforehand and prayed about it for some time. Her decision was a deeply considered one, preceded by both thoughtful reflection and intense emotions of love and compassion. Her decision became more powerful and effective than all the other gifts precisely because it was so thoughtfully considered, authentic, and genuine.
This might be a good time for you to think as she did that day. What can I give to my parish in the same spirit as her? How can I help advance the mission of Jesus today? Spend some time, as she did, reflecting on how I can help.
Whether you feel your candidate won or lost in these last few debates, this Gospel reveals how powerful the actions of just one single person can be, and how much Our Lord pays attention to what we do and why we do it.
The generous donations of a sincere and loving person to those in need always attracts the attention of Our Lord. They reveal you are on the same path as Jesus!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Image: Public work of art
Thank you. We think your reflections are particularly appropriate this week as we collect the Christmas Child shoeboxes. The boxes reflect the giving to an unknown child and a direct expression of Christ’s love of the poor and his love of children. This program at St. Paschal started in 2002 with your approval of reaching out to the world and demonstrate that love. We have heard parents at SPB remark on how their children became so involved with picking out what was going to be sent..
God Bless
The Christmas Shoebox collection is spectacular! I was always so impressed at the volume of shoeboxes collected. What a great ministry you started here! It is a great example of the Gospel story.
This widow had faith and hope, coupled with selfless love and compassion.
In spite of her dire situation, facing death from starvation, she shared her last meal with
the stranger, giving all that she had We should be thankful for what we have. instead of wanting
something we don’t need.
The widow is a challenge to us, perhaps, to look at people differently–the immigrant, the homeless,
people who practice a different religion, a different culture etc.
We all deserve the respect and compassion that Jesus shows to all of us.
.
Very well said!
This reminds me of my life. When a young, divorced Mother of 4 under 10, unemployed, I gave what I could. Later, I was gainfully employed and tried to make up for what I was unable to give. Now, in my later years, retired, I again have to pray on an amount to give. I always kept this bible passage in my thoughts so I would, prayerfully, give a “right” amount. Thank you for giving a good explanation of the gospel each week.
The very fact that you have thoughtfully considered your contributions makes your example right in line with the Gospel. Thank you for sharing your story.
It was interesting to see that the Old Testament reading was about Elijah getting water from a lady and asking for a cake. The result a great miracle.
‘I kind of wonder about this lady who gave her only pennies. That was a real sacrifice. I can’t help but believe that this woman’s needs were met.
We are all called to give, not only financially but of our time . I remember your article and have it her on works. Out of our love for God, works only should follow. Giving financially and physically mst come out of the heart not out of “I have to”. We sure do have to as a result of ur commitment to the Lord.. There are these wonderful people that give me a ride to Church every sunday and I know sometimes it is a burden and I know God sees their generosity. They are also givers to the Church in many was including financially. It is a great witness to see their dedication to Our Lord.
The beauty of that lovely, sweet, precious woman is that she gave from her heart, with what she could and did!!! We tooooooooo have to give from our hearts and respond to the world’s needs!! To be a follower and lover of Jesus is to love and give as our Lord did even onto death!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee our precious Jesus and his beautiful faith of total LOVE!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Well said!
Well said! How wonderful that you have people in your life who give you the rides that you need. Generosity of finances, or of time, are both treasured by Our Lord.