24 Nov
Mon
34th Week in Ordinary Time
Ss Andrew Dung-Lac, priest & comps.
Dan. 1:1-6,8-20
(R.Ps.) Dan. 3:52-56
Lk 21:1-4
(Ps Wk II)
How To Pray With Shalom
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The great tycoons of our age get great praise and even awe and reverence when they generously donate huge sums of money for public institutions like universities, hospitals, libraries and large construction projects. Often they leave their names on these monuments too, seeking perhaps the gratitude of future generations, and to gain some lasting historical fame. Does any one of them ever give more than a small fraction of "all they have to live on"? Will any of them be remembered in 2000 years' time, like that anonymous poor widow that Jesus noticed putting just two small coins into the temple treasury? Would Jesus think any of them 'generous'? He considered that the widow actually gave more than any of the rich people putting in their big donations. According to His values, praiseworthy generosity is not measured by amounts of money. In generosity to charities, appeals, fundraising campaigns it is notably the less well-off people who give more, give "all they have to live on". The measure of true Christian charity is not large sums of money but the giving of the heart. But giving my heart I give away something of "all that I have to live on". That's very different from giving away what I don't really need, and what I won't really miss. Is there not more that I could give to others in need, not for the sake of fame and people's admiration but because I want to share the Lord's gifts and His love?



Teach me, Lord, to be generous; to give and not count the cost.

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 the Christians of the West, may constantly increase their knowledge and appreciation of the spirituality and liturgical traditions of the Oriental Churches.
Elaboration

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