Daily Gospel Reflection for November 21, 2016 - Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today's Gospel: Luke 21, 1-4

I think most of us are familiar with the story of the poor widow who puts two coins in as an offering where the rest of the people are putting in so much more; Jesus states that the two coins the widow put in are worth much more than all the rest.

I don’t know about you but whenever I read this I have to ask myself: how generous am I being with what God has given me? It’s easy to throw an extra $20 in the basket when I have $1,000 in the bank. It’s not that this donation is not appreciated. In fact it’s a very generous donation. Do we feel that we are being generous with what God has given us?

There was an older gentleman named Oscar who used to live across the street from us. If I heard that Normandy story one more time I was going to be sick. He always told the same stories over and over again. Being busy, I never had much time to stop over and talk with him; but one day it really bothered me that I had not done so, especially since his wife had died. I very hesitantly knocked on the door hoping he wouldn’t answer. I stayed for an hour. The joy that that one hour gave him was worth a million dollars to him.

Sometimes we have to stretch ourselves and get out of our comfort zone. Sometimes what I plan to do is not what God has planned for me to do. God nudged me that day. I am glad I paid attention. I felt like a million bucks knowing I had truly given of myself.

Ponder:

How do I generously give of my time, treasure and talents?

Pray:

Jesus, sometimes I can’t get out of my own way. Sometimes I don’t want to go the extra mile because I am too consumed with me and my needs. Help me to remember that everything I have comes from you and it is meant to be used for your glory. Amen.

Copyright 2016 Donna Hamalainen

I have been married for 25 years and have 2 grown children. My husband and I have been active in prison ministry for over 30 years. Both of us are active in a 12-step program and work with people as much as time allows.