The Mighty Mite

God is the Great Storyteller. He writes stories in and through human lives – stories of faith, courage, generosity, goodness, hospitality and heroism. While the bible stories are about human life and activities, the stories tell us something about God and about ourselves. The bible stories inspire and challenge us to live out the story in our own lives. Someone has said: “Trust the stories. Trust the God in the stories.” In all the bible stories God makes himself known to us in special ways. The story of the widow’s mite in today’s gospel gives us insight into the symbolism of the poor widow’s actions.

Jesus was on his way to face his death and resurrection. Observing this poor woman give all that she had to give, Jesus saw powerful symbolism in this giving. The widow, in giving all she had to give, symbolized for Jesus the gift of God’s only Son – his One Treasure – to save mankind… The poor widow’s gift reminded Jesus of his own total sacrifice on the cross for the salvation of all mankind… The widow’s gift reminded Jesus of his Mother Mary’s sacrificial giving of her son back to God – on Good Friday… The story in today’s gospel has provided inspiration for millions of men and women throughout history as they sacrificed for God and saved for their fellow human beings. Today we are challenged to give of our time, talent and treasure – with total trust in God and his goodness and generosity. It’s not about what we give – but the love and trust with which we give it.

This poor widow is a powerful example of what it means to be a follower of Christ. She is a powerful example of the wisdom of God which seems foolish to our world. She inspires us by her faith, for she walked by faith – not by sight. So we too must walk!

Quote:

The widow’s mite of today’s gospel can take many forms: A warm coat given to the poor; an hour spent each week teaching religious education to children; a quilt made to raise money for a worthy cause; serving a meal in a soup kitchen. The widow’s mite is “mighty” indeed, accomplishing great things, not because of the size of the gift, but because of the love and compassion that motivates the giver. In the gospel scheme of things, it is not the measure of the gift – but – the measure of the love, selfless and joyful, that designates the gift as great before God - for Christ calls us not to seek greater things or talents to astound the world… but for great love and selflessness with which to enrich the world.” [Connections, November 2009]

Veterans Day

This week we celebrate Veterans Day. This is a day to show our gratitude for the men and women who have served our country in the past, and those who are serving today. The Knights of Columbus provide an Honor Guard at our 10:30 Mass to remind us of the heroism and sacrifice of all veterans.

These men & women have not only protected our freedoms, but have brought freedom and hope to millions of people in our world. Today we say “Thank you for your service to our country and to our world. You are the ones who can truly sing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee – Sweet Land of Liberty.”