A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke
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.”
Jesus’ words from today’s Gospel reading reflect the compassion he felt toward the poor. But by saying the widow put in more than all the rest, Jesus seems to come to a conclusion that doesn’t make sense, at least according to conventional logic. Although the contributions of wealthy people amounted to more than the two small coins of the widow, her true wealth was her dependence on God and trust in his providence. More than that, Jesus beautifully expresses what happens when we are able to turn basic economics on its head and give Christ, King of the Universe, control of our livelihood. The Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary commemorates when Mary’s parents, Saints Joachim and Anne, brought Mary to the temple to be offered to God. By offering Mary, they too gave their whole livelihood.
God, help me understand what it means to detach from material possessions and learn what true wealth is, not as the world understands it but according to your divine order. In the first reading, John hears a sound like harps and a new song being sung: “They were singing what seemed to be a new hymn before the throne, before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn this hymn except the hundred and forty-four thousand who had been ransomed from the earth.” I don’t know what it’s like to give as the widow gave, not from surplus wealth but from an offering; teach me, Lord, with the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to let go of the fear of detachment and to offer myself freely to you.
How quieted is my soul, Lord, when I am able to say to you as Mary said to the archangel Gabriel: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word.” Take my works, joys, and sufferings of this day as an offering to you!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.
