Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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.”

Sometimes we can convince ourselves that we have nothing to offer God or others. We are too busy, too poor, too unworthy, or too afraid. But Jesus reminds us that we are not called to give out of our surplus, but from our poverty. It is our willingness to make time for God and others, to give of ourselves in spite of our hardships, to take a leap of faith, and to trust in God’s Providence that makes us into true Disciples of Christ. Our livelihood should be founded upon knowing, loving, and serving God and His children to the best of our ability. We might fail more than we succeed, but if Jesus has taught us anything it is that what the world might see as folly can become a triumph if we are willing to sacrifice ourselves for God and others out of love.

Are we giving out of our surplus or our poverty? What can we give to God and others that we aren’t already giving? Are we willing to give our whole livelihood?

O Lord, we want to give you more of ourselves.

Amen.

The Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.

Jesus reminds us that God wants to give us the kingdom. He wants the best for us. He wants us to be not afraid. However, it is up to us to choose where our treasure is and to what our hearts belong. We can store up worldly riches or heavenly ones, but not both. One will always take precedence over the other. This is why Jesus tells us to sell our belongings and give alms out of the proceeds. He wants us to detach ourselves from the world so that we can attach ourselves to God. And when we do choose God over the world, we will be rewarded with a love that never wears out and no one can steal or destroy.

What are we afraid of? Where does our treasure lie? Are we willing to detach ourselves of all our worldly riches in favor of receiving our heavenly rewards?

O Lord, we treasure you and your kingdom over all our possessions.

Amen.

Eighteenth Friday of Ordinary Time

What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay each according to his conduct. Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.

God isn't telling us that seeking profit or gain is wrong. He is telling us that seeking these things to the point of forfeiting our lives, our morals, and our faith is what is wrong. Many people seek profit for its own sake, which is greed and leads to corruption. However, if we seek profit and gain in order to better know, love, and serve God and others, then we are less likely to go astray because our motives are not selfish, but rather focused on love and charity. God will repay us in kind for all we've done and failed to do, so we should do everything in our powers to do the good and right thing and seek spiritual wealth over and above earthly wealth.

Are we focused on building up a spiritual treasury or a worldly one? Are we forfeiting our lives in the pursuit of selfish interests? How can we conduct ourselves in a manner that will lead us to eternal life rather than death?

O Lord, let our profits and gains be ones that lead us closer to you in spirit and truth.

Amen.