32nd Ordinary Time: November 9 / 10, 2024

Two widows - the most vulnerable people in a patriarchal society.  And they should humble us.
         A starving mother feeds Elijah - even though she only has enough to make one last meal for her son and herself.
         And a woman giving her two last coins to the treasury -- and Jesus praises her for giving all she had.
         These two women - models of courage and faith -- gave the last of what they had because that is what God called them to do.
         Would we have the courage –and the faith -- to do what they did?
 
         Do we have the faith and courage to give up our last dollars and cents -- to the Lord?
         Do we bring an offering of the first fruits of our labor -- or do we wait to see what is left in our purses or wallets after we pay our rent, utilities, bills -- and maybe a nice meal and tickets to a ballgame -- and only then maybe think about what we should offer as a return to God through our parish?
         Are we good stewards and treat our other resources -- our time and talent - as God's – or do we think we own them – and then guard them at any price?
 
 
         Do we pass up the opportunity to help, sometimes in very small ways, while we wait for an opportunity to do something big or impressive –
or something that will catch the attention and praise of others?
                              
         Mother Theresa once said there are no great things -- only small things done with great love.
         With God, even the smallest things are extremely important -- because those are the ones God often uses to work miracles -- a handful of flour -- a couple of coins worth a few cents --- we don't have to wait for something major.  Because God doesn’t consider the size of the gift –
as much as the heart of the giver. . .
         We don't have to wait until we are down to our last two coins or the last bit of food in the cupboard  --To give something.
         What WE DO have to give is – ourselves-- fully and completely to God.
         As we consider this, let's listen to the words of the song:  These alone are Enough, Dan Schutte's song based on the Prayer of Saint Ignatius Loyola.
Take my heart, O Lord, take my hopes and dreams.
Take my mind with all its plans and schemes.
Give me nothing more than your love and grace.
These alone, O God, are enough for me.
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