Opening Prayer

Lord, grant that I may see you more clearly,
love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly,
day by day.

Scripture

Luke 21:1-4

He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them, for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”

Reflection

The story of the widow’s offering, where she gives two small coins, highlights the profound value of giving from the heart. Unlike the rich, who contribute out of their abundance, the widow gives all she has, demonstrating immense faith and trust in God’s provision. This inspires us to practice true generosity, not measured by the amount we give but by the spirit in which we give, trusting that God will provide for our needs as we share our blessings with others.

Jesus contrasts the sincere devotion of the widow with the ostentatious giving of the wealthy. He emphasises that God values the inner quality of our faith and devotion more than outward appearances or grand gestures. This encourages us to cultivate a genuine, heartfelt relationship with God, focusing on the sincerity of our actions and the purity of our intentions rather than seeking recognition or approval from others. It reminds us that true worship and service come from a humble and devoted heart.

Contemplation

I take a few moments to imagine the scene from the Gospel story I just read. I let the words come alive in my heart. I visualise the event as if I was there and part of the story. I pay attention to all the details, the sights, the sounds, the tastes, the smells, and the feelings of the event. I imagine myself as one of the characters in the scene or as myself present in the story. What message does Jesus have for me? How is God speaking to me personally through this story? I open my heart to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Thanksgiving

I ask God, the Father, to give me an intimate knowledge of the many gifts I have received,
so that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty.

Fellow Pilgrims

Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly.

– Saint Frances de Sales

Closing Prayer

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Amen.