Thirty-Forth Monday of Ordinary Time

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.”

We all have different talents and livelihoods, but we are all called to offer what we have to God for His glory and the good of others. We can be tempted to hold something back in selfishness like the wealthy people in this reading, but we must not let ourselves be afraid to give God our all. Those who give everything to God, like the widow, will build up a treasury of graces for themselves in Heaven. They will be repaid by God with a thousand-fold interest for even the smallest act of love or mercy.

What talents has God given us to use on His behalf? How are we putting our livelihoods to work for the Lord? What small acts of kindness can we perform throughout our lives to build up a treasury of graces in Heaven?

O Lord, we give you our whole livelihoods.

Amen.