REFLECTIONS TODAY

The Gospel account shows a contrast between the wealthy people who give out of their surplus abundance to fulfill their religious duty and the poor widow who gives “till it hurts” in offering her two small coins. Among the Jews and the early Christians, widows were recipients of people’s benevolence. But Luke presents widows also as models of generosity and of trust in God. We have the prophetess Anna who worships and prays in the temple night and day (Lk 2:36-37) and Tabitha who was completely occupied with good deeds and almsgiving (Acts 9:36). St. Paul advices Timothy to honor those who are “truly widows”: “married only once, with a reputation for good works, namely, that she has raised children, practiced hospitality, washed the feet of the holy ones, helped those in distress, involved herself in every good work” (1 Tm 5:9-10).
Responsorial Psalm • Dn 3
“Glory and praise for ever!”
Gospel • Lk 21:1-4
When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.