Daily Reflection – Nov 21, 2016

Monday 21 November 2016

First Reading: Apocalypse 14:1-5
Responsorial Psalm:
Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face
Psalm 23(24):1-6
Gospel Reading: Luke 21:1-4

Today’s Feast: The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Memorial)

Gospel Reading:

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.”

Reflection:

The heaven in Revelation does not sound like a very crowded place – 144,0000 to be exact. Only those who had the name of the Lord written on their foreheads were able to sing the new song and be ushered into the inner circle of heaven. But Revelation is a book of symbols and riddles, and 144,000 signifies a state of completeness or perfection.

Those with the name of God written on their foreheads are those who have taken the law of God to heart in numerous places that a vast multitude from every race, tongue, people and nation worship and praise God.

Revelation is always a call to glory, not fear or dread. When we give to charity or donate something, do we feel it? Do we really have to sacrifice anything? Sometimes those who give huge sums are praised and venerated, but in most cases they have not missed any meals in the process.

The widow in the story gave a tiny amount, but it was all she had. She definitely missed some meals, for her gift was a genuine sacrifice. It doesn’t have to be money – our time and energy are just as precious. Do we give it cheerfully, and are we willing to be inconvenienced? We are given many opportunities to imitate the window.

“Lord, teach me to be generous, like our Blessed Mother Mary, who gave all of her life to You, and also as the widow in today’s gospel did.”