22 Nov
Mon
34th Week in Ordinary Time
St Cecilia, virgin and martyr
Rev. 14:1-3,4-5
Ps. 24:1-6
Lk. 21:1-4
(Ps Wk II)
How To Pray With Shalom
Home Page of Shalom
Index of This Month
 

There is a saying that goes, "what we do in this life echoes in eternity". Basically what we do here on earth can be put into two categories, which is what we do for ourselves and what we do for others. Self care and care for others are the two pillars of man as a social being. Think about the choices that we make in life and the helping hand that we extend to others.

The problem comes when self centeredness creeps into our lives. When this happens, our pride swells up and the ego takes over. Our 'wants' exceed our 'needs'. There is no time for others. This is the current struggle of many today. We are blinded by self centeredness. One wonders if ever there is time for God!

In the Gospel today, we see many people putting in their offering which is given from what they can spare. The issue is not about how much they put in but on where their focus is, which is the security that money can offer them. Thus, their commitment to God's law comes after all that they have spent first. Jesus on the other hand praises the widow who 'put in all she had to live on'. There was no self centeredness here. There was only trust in God's providence for her care and the charity given was for others.

Can we move from our self centeredness to be like that widow?



Lord, Your grace is sufficient for me.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That Christian men and women, aware of the vocation which is theirs in the Church, may answer generously to God's call to seek holiness in the midst of their lives.
Elaboration

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