32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle B, Year I)
Community Word: True disciples of Christ hunger & thirst for His righteousness.
Theme: We hunger & thirst for His righteousness when we offer God all that we are.
Promise: “The Lord keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, give food to the hungry.”(Ps 146:7a)
Reflection:
As Christians, what automatically comes to mind when we talk of “Giving?” We all know that the perfect act of giving was that of Jesus Christ when died on the cross for our salvation. No one can match that totally selfless act, but we can all learn from Him. In giving His life on the cross, Jesus gave His all,“that we may have life and have it to the full,” (Jn 10:10). He exhorts us, as our Master and Teacher to give for two reasons: 1) to help our neighbor especially those who are “bowed down” (Ps 146:8), and 2), to demonstrate our trust in God’s divine providence.
Today’s Gospel tells of the poor widow who, in an act of selflessness, gave her all. Jesus acknowledges her generosity, declaring: “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury,” noting that all the others “contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood,” (Mk 12:43-44). In the first reading, another widow gives us an example of selfless giving. When asked by the prophet Elijah for some water and food, she was honest enough to admit her lack. Nonetheless, she shared what little she had with Elijah. And in trusting God, she reaped the blessing promised by Elijah: “She was able to eat for a year, and he and her son as well; the jar of flour did not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry…” (1Kgs17:15-16).
The Lord indeed provides what is necessary for us who call upon Him, for He has compassion upon those who are “bowed down” by the difficulties of life, and who bow down to Him in humble trust. Psalm 146 proclaims, “The Lord keeps faith forever…. gives food to the hungry….raises up those who are bowed down.” This is our chosen Promise for this week.
Most times, we find it difficult to give our all.There is a natural tendency to hold on to our hard earned money for security. In fact, strangely enough, generosity is more widespread among those who have little to spare, than among the wealthy. Whatever our situation or circumstance, it is never too late to cultivate a habit of generosity. After all, everything we have comes from God, and whatever we share with our needy brothers and sisters, is merely giving back to Him. Finally, more than merely what we give, we should have the right attitude in giving. As St. Paul reminds us, “God loves a cheerful giver,” (2Cor9:6-7).
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your goodness. You continue to provide for us, especially for those who humbly bow down before you in trust. Teach us to be more generous with our time, talents and treasures. Use us as your instruments in securing justice for the oppressed, providing food for the hungry, setting captives free, healing the sick, and raising up those who are bowed down. Use us mightily for we want to be of service to you in every way. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Reflection Questions:
1.Do I give grudgingly, out of a sense of obligation and not out of love, or from my heart? Do I give enough to the community I serve?
2.Do I trust the Lord completely when I give?
3.Do I use my gifts in mission outreaches as my way of reaching out to those in need?
This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
November 8, 2015 (Sun) 1Kgs 17:10-16/Ps 146:7, 8-9, 10/Heb 9:24-28/Mk 12:38-44
November 9, 2015 (Mon) Ez 47:1-2,8-9/Ps 46:2-3,5-6,8-9/1Cor 3:9-11,16-17/Jn 2:13-22
November 10, 2015 (Tue) Wis 2:23-39/Ps 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19/Lk 17:7-10
November 11, 2015 (Wed) Wis 6:1-11/Ps 82:3-4, 6-7/Lk 17:11-19
November 12, 2015 (Thu) Wis 7:22-8:1/Ps 119:89, 90, 91,130,135,175/Lk 17:20-25
November 13, 2015 (Fri) Wis 13:1-9/Ps 19:2-3, 4-5/Lk 17:26-37
November 14, 2015 (Sat) Wis 18:14-16,19:6-9/Ps 105:2-3,36-37,42-43/Lk 18:1-8
“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”
Please download in PDF format.
