26-Nov-18

Gospel LK 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:
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..."
I do not believe that Jesus intended to diminish in any way the importance of gifts offered by wealthy people. Thousands of charitable organizations, including My Brother's Keeper, are only able to survive because of grants from foundations established by the gifts of wealthy benefactors.
".......for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth,
but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood."
Jesus makes His point here: Although all efforts to help others are important, the "true" value of a gift is determined by the degree of sacrifice required on the part of the giver.
Each day, "Robbie" comes to My Brother's Keeper looking for help. When he leaves with ten dollars in his pocket, he has a grateful heart.
But, when I first “make the time" from what I had planned for the day to sit and share a cup of coffee and conversation with "Robbie" that is when I am left with a peace filled and grateful heart.
"It is by the giving of myself that I am filled with the peace of Christ."
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