Monday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
The book I use for my daily prayers contains stories about holy people. Many times these stories are inspiring and encouraging, but there are times when I stop and wonder-I don’t have any remarkable talents. How am I called to be holy? Today’s gospel reading is the story of the widow giving her small offering and receiving praise from Jesus. Jesus reminds us that when we give of our simple gifts- the daily offerings of our time and talent- it is here that we give God glory and help to build His kingdom.
In the gospel story today, Jesus recognizes the value of the two small coins given by the widow for the temple treasury. It is not that he belittles the gifts of those who have wealth, but he notices that the widow gives generously from what little she has. He comments that she has given her “whole livelihood.” When I reflect on this passage, I understand that Jesus is talking about generosity of material possessions, but I believe His words have a deeper meaning as well. Each person is given gifts or talents from God to use. Jesus is calling each of us to offer our “livelihood” in service to Him and the Kingdom. The talents may seem small and insignificant to many, but when given freely to the service of others, these generously given gifts can have a great impact. What are these gifts? Some of the gifts include the gift of encouragement for others, honesty in the workplace, patience in the face of a difficult situation, perseverance in times of distress, and counsel for another when confused. It is the simple daily gifts of being a loving parent, a supportive co-worker, a trusting friend and a concerned community member that allow us to give our “livelihood” to those around us. Similar to the widow, when we give what we have (which is all a gift from God) the small day to day lives that we lead can bring God glory.
The challenge in giving our livelihood is first being able to recognize our gifts, and then being generous in sharing these with others. When I read about the saints and holy people in my reflection book, I read about amazing stories where individuals have gone to a foreign country to care for the poor. Some of these people have written spiritual books, have spent years in monastic prayer, or have even given their lives as martyrs for their faith. These individuals are holy and their gifts are remarkable, but this should not lessen the significance of each person who lives a life of generous self-giving. Similar to St. Therese of Liseaux and her “Little Way”, if we approach every situation and ask God to use us and our gifts in loving service, we can bring out surplus blessings for others. One of the greatest challenges is recognizing that each of us has been given a myriad of gifts to share. It is in our poverty that we recognize that God has blessed us, and when we ask God, He will reveal the gifts we have to share.
To give generously of our livelihood we must stay closely connected to God the source of all of our gifts. Beginning each day in prayer asking God to allow us to be His instruments puts us in the mindset of living for Him. Remembering it is not in the grandiose actions that attract others praise, but in the quiet and loving ways of living that we most readily act like the widow in today’s gospel story. The simple gift of being a loving parent does not appear to be a great deed, but when this gift is shared with humility and generosity it can bring abundant fruit.
Each of us has been created by God like no other individual. When we recognize our unique gifts and gratefully offer them back to God in our daily lives, then we will become His holy people. The small offering of ourselves, although it may be worth little in the eyes of the world, supplies the greatest treasure in the Kingdom of God.
Loving Father, Jesus illustrates how we are called to give freely and completely of the gifts we have received. Through the grace of Your Spirit, give us the wisdom to know our gifts and the courage to use them in our daily lives. May Your love be the foundation for all that we do, so that all people can know Your presence. May the gift of our livelihood give You glory and praise. We pray this through Christ our LORD. Amen.
- Marylynn Herchline