Daily Gospel Reflection for November 25, 2024

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Colleen Rooney

Today's Gospel: Luke 21:1-4

Have you ever met someone with an exceptional gift or talent? They stand out for the talent, extraordinary gift, or even great physical beauty that they possess. St. Teresa of Calcutta was an extraordinary person, as was Pope St. John Paul II. There was something about them that made them stand out larger than life, a kind of deep spiritual magnetism that drew us to them.

Our Lord points to the poor widow who put two small coins into the temple treasury. Her gift was small in comparison to the gifts of others, but Our Lord credited her with a standout gift. Why? The poor widow gave all she had, every penny.

Our culture is attracted to wealth. We love the best, the most beautiful, the sought-after in material goods, status, and fame. The poor widow had none. She lacked material wealth. She looked poor. She was a widow who had no husband to support and take care of her. But what she did have was a heart that gave all, a heart that trusted that the Lord would take care of her in her circumstances.

Our poor widow was exceptional, and Our Lord wants us to see that. If He hadn’t pointed her out, we probably would have seen only a poor woman. However, she was not poor at all; she was very rich. Rich in all the things that are truly valuable. Material goods are necessary. Nothing is wrong with a quality item, but spiritual goods last forever. Our poor widow had discovered that, and Our Lord praised her for it.

Ponder:

Why does Our Lord point out the poor widow to us?

Pray:

Dear Lord, help me to put things in perspective. Our family needs material goods, but preserve us from consumerism. Help me to recognize the true riches in my life.

Copyright 2024 Colleen Rooney

Colleen Rooney is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She is the author of Celebrating Advent and Christmas with Children. She lives in St. Augustine, FL, and is a docent at the Shrine/Museum of Our Lady of La Leche. foodsandfestivitiesofthechristianyear.blogspot.com