Ninth Saturday of Ordinary Time

Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.

It is easy to give to others out of our surplus, whether it is our time, talents, or treasures but it is much more difficult to give of ourselves when we are lacking time, money, or confidence. We are more likely to come up with excuses when things aren’t going our way. But the widow gives us an example of how we should act when we are hard pressed by life's trials. She gives in spite of her poverty, she gives everything she has to offer. We should do the same. We should give God all our time, talents, and treasures every day of our lives.

Do we make excuses as to why we can’t minister to others? What time, talents, and treasures do we have to give to God and others? If there is something holding us back from volunteering in our church or community, then have we prayed to God to help us find a way?

O Lord, inspire us to contribute all we have to you, our whole livelihoods.

Amen.