Readings for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: 1 Kings 17:10-16; Psalm 146:7-10; Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44
Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, "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." (Mark 12:41a-44)
What does it mean to be rich or poor? Are you poor if you don't have a closet full of new clothes in your closet? Are you rich if you own your home? Are you poor if you eat peanut butter and jelly more often than not? Are you rich if you have a comfortable savings account and are working to build your retirement account?
Whatever we have or don't have, being rich or poor depends on our perspective, and our perspective affects how we give of ourselves, our time and our money. We can either feel sorry for ourselves because of what we don't have and envy others because of what they do have, or we can appreciate what we do have and use it to the best of our abilities.
And how do we give? Do we give out of obligation? Or do we give with the understanding that whatever we give will make a difference in our community and our world?
Faith Chat Question: When you think of your own life, do you consider yourself rich or poor? How do you spend your time and money? How do you share your gifts? Is there anything you should be doing differently?
Faith Response: Make plans for your family to participate in your parish's holiday giving activities. Provide food for Thanksgiving food baskets. Take a tag from the Advent/Christmas Giving Tree. If your parish doesn't have many activities, make a donation to a food pantry or mission.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to share the gifts we have with those in need around us. Amen.
