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It is often said that the poor are more generous than those who are well off. The cynics might say that the rich are rich because they cling so tightly to their money. Today's readings tell two lovely stories about poor widows, who in their poverty, made huge acts of trust and gave away the little they had left. In the first story, a widow preparing to die of starvation with her son, shares the last of her food with Elijah, God's prophet. Her trust and generosity are rewarded by food being provided until the rains came after the long drought. In the Gospel, a poor widow surrounded by people much better off than she was, offers the last of her money to God in the Temple. It only amounted to two pennies but, in generosity, it far outdid what any of the others gave out of their surplus. She had the money in two coins and could easily have given just one - but no, she gave all. Her offering is sometimes seen as a symbol of Jesus - Himself poor and with nowhere to lay His head - who gave His life in a total offering to His Father. Today, we might consider how much of ourselves we give to God and His service and how much we keep for ourselves. We might even reflect on what proportion of our worldly goods we share with the millions living at the edge of survival. Lord, teach us to be generous with what You have given to us. |
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P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
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That politicians and economists may feel it their duty to attend to the welfare of all people, giving first place to the most poverty-stricken
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This prophetic year 2000 projecting into the 3rd millennium is faced with people suffering from hunger, under-development, lack of work, abandoned old people, the sick without care and those suffering from the scourge of drugs. In front of these facts we are called to review our conduct, choices, commitment in the light of the causes which have determined them. Every Christian who is a member of a state and an economic system must take on himself specific responsibilities to overcome these negative elements which greatly disturb the harmonious development of persons and peoples and are at the root of poverty and of its increase. We cannot place ourselves in a situation of passive waiting for other people's conversion. Our personal conversion is the starting point for hope for the necessary changes of direction. It is our hearts we must change. Conversion is a grace given to those who ask the Saviour for it. We turn to the Lord, with insistent prayer, and ask that we may influence the "politicians and economists to feel it their duty to attend to the welfare of all people and especially the most poverty-stricken". | |
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