November 30, 2014

1st Sun. of Advent

November 30, 2014:  1st Sunday of Advent

  • 'Heart' tie bar:  Why do you let us harden our hearts? (1st reading)
  • 'Eyeball' tie pin: no eye has seen any God but you doing such deeds (1st reading)
  • 'Hand' tie pin:  We are the work of your hands (1st reading); protect what your right hand has planted (psalm)
  • 'Grapes' pin:  Take care of this vine (psalm)
  • 'Rooster' pin:  You don't know whether the lord will come at night, at cockcrow, or in the morning (gospel)
  • Purple shirt; see also guest dressers below:  Advent season
Listen

For 1st reading, gospel, and season
For psalm
Pope Francis "Turkey day"
Joint with Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew:  We seek unity of all Christians.  We'll promote dialogue and reconciliation towards peace in the Middle East.  There's an ecumenism of suffering.  Today's challenges require the solidarity of all of good will. Respectful dialogue with Islam is important.
Mass at Istanbul Cathedral:  Christians, throw off your defensiveness, move away from your comfort zone, and be led by the Holy Spirit.
Post-Divine Liturgy:  I seek communion with the Orthodox Churches.  Authentic dialogue is encounter between persons with names, faces, and pasts, not just ideas.  Vatican II acknowledges Orthodox and Catholic Churches are intimately joined, sharing sacraments and apostolic succession (Unitatis Redintegratio 15).  We must preserve and support Eastern Churches' patrimony, including liturgical and spiritual traditions and canonical discipline (15-16); that's love-inspired welcoming of God's gifts, not submission or assimilation.  The poor, victims of conflicts, and young people all implore us to live more deeply as Christ's disciples....
To refugees:  The degrading conditions so many refugees are forced to live in are intolerable, but don't be discouraged.  With God's help, hope, despite difficulties and obstacles.  Were with you.  God doesn't forget any of his children, and the smallest and suffering are closest to him.
Read
  • Is 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7  You're our father, our redeemer.  Why do you let us wander and harden our hearts?  Rend the heavens, return, and work awesome deeds.  Would that you meet us doing right!  None call on you, for you've hidden, yet you're our father, the potter, and we the clay, work of your hands.
  • 1 Cor 1:3-9  I thank God for the grace bestowed on you, enriching you in every way.  He'll keep you firm and irreproachable.  God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son.
  • Mk 13:33-37  “Be alert!  You don't know when the time will come; it's like a traveler who leaves home and orders the gatekeeper to keep watch.  May the Lord not come suddenly and find you sleeping.  Watch!”
Reflect
  • "Be alert; the world needs more lerts."  —Woody Allen (couldn't resist)
Guest dressers:  St. Bede choir members
Max, Linda, Jamie, and Joe
(More dressers)
  • Creighton:  I don't like to wait.  How am I to wait?  Waiting is focused on the future, looking forward to a new time and experience.  Advent is a time of waiting, anticipation, expectation, joy, and preparation for the coming of Jesus, and a time to seek and find him here and now.  There's nothing better!  Advent is a season to practice awareness, noticing and being present to God.
  • One Bread One Body:  "Adventageous Adventure":  "[Advent] teaches us Christ's coming was not only for the benefit of his contemporaries; his power has still to be communicated to us" (St. Charles Borromeo, Office of Readings, Monday, 1st week, Advent). Our preparation is important for God's kingdom, the Church, the world, the future, our families, and ourselves. "We should be as prepared for this coming of Christ as if he were still to come into this world" (Charles Borromeo).
  • Passionist:  What would the world be like if everyone said, "Yes" to the Divine Potter and let him shape and form us into the image and likeness of Christ?  God's word, body, and blood form and nourish us.  Take a cue from Mary who said Yes to God:  say Yes/Amen at Mass and in daily life.
  • DailyScripture.net:  When someone you love and miss promises to return, you anticipate the return and send messages saying how much you long to be reunited. / When landowners traveled, they left their estates in stewards' hands; dutiful servants prepared for their return by keeping the estate in good order. / When we expect something important, we wait eagerly; Jesus expects us to keep watch for his return in glory. / We live in the end times, between Jesus' first and second coming.  Do I watch and wait for the Lord's coming with joyful hope?  Am I ready for his action and grace now?
  • Saints if not trumped by Sunday, via Universalis:  
    • Andrew, Apostle, fisherman, introduced his brother, Simon Peter, to Jesus.
    • Cuthbert Mayne, priest, martyr
+Don't miss yesterday's musical, cloud-y year-end post+

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November 29, 2014

Nov. 29

November 29, 2014:  Saturday, 34th week, Ordinary Time


  • 'Angel' pin:  An angel showed me the river... (1st reading)
  • 'Crystal' pin:  ...sparkling like crystal; (1st reading)
  • 'Tree' pin:  the tree of life grew along its sides (1st reading)
  • 'Clock' tie bar:  “Behold, I am coming soon” (1st reading); last day of Church year
  • 'Rock' tie pin:  Acclaim the Rock of salvation (psalm)
  • Blue shirt:  river (1st reading), sea (psalm)
  • 'Kneeling person' tie bar:  servants will worship God (1st reading); let us kneel before the Lord (psalm); pray for strength (gospel)
  • Green in clock tie bar, tree:  Ordinary Time season ends today
Listen
For 1st reading (good transitions to Advent)
For psalm
For gospel
Pope Francis
"Turkey day" 2:  He arrived in Istanbul, visited Grand Mufti at Sultan Ahmet (the "Blue Mosque"), paused there for silent reflection, then Hagia Sofia (basilica turned mosque, now museum), where he wrote in the Gold Book, “???a S?f?a t?? Te??” (Greek for “Holy Wisdom of God”) and "Quam dilecta tabernacula tua Domine (Psalmus 83)" (Latin for "How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord (Psalm 83)" and signed his name, then proceeded to pontifical delegation garden to meet Catholics and president of the bishops conference.  Hear Vatican Radio podcast
Read
    'Tree of life' from today's words
    (animate)
  • Rv 22:1-7  An angel showed me life-giving water, sparkling, flowing from God's throne, and the tree of life that produces fruit monthly.  God's servants will look on his face; he'll give them light, and they'll reign forever.  “I'm coming soon.”
  • Ps 95:1-7ab  "Marana tha! [mar'-?-nath'-? / mar-an'-a-tha']  Come, Lord Jesus!"  Sing to the Lord; acclaim the Rock of our salvation.  The Lord is a great God, king above all gods.  The deep, mountains, sea, and land belong to him.  Worship; kneel before our Maker; we're the flock he guides.
  • Lk 21:34-36  “Don't let daily life make you drowsy.  Be vigilant, and pray you have the strength to escape tribulations and stand before the Son of Man.”
Reflect
    • Creighton:  We're invited to be with the Lord and warned he's coming.  "I'm coming soon" could bring anxiety or joy.  Imagine the surprise of an unexpected visit from a friend we haven't seen for a long time....
    • Passionist:  It's not easy to stay vigilant and read the signs of the times, living in the present moment!  God's love flowing from the Cross is now.  In the present I'm connected to God's love, others, and the earth.  In being vigilant, we can be aware of who we are, who God is, and the our connection with God in creation.
    • DailyScripture.net:  Greed, gluttony, addictions, and habits can weigh us down, but Jesus offers us freedom from sin, wasted life, unruly desires, and idolatry; he wants us to be ruled only by his love and truth and so choose good and reject evil.  He warns us not to slack off / spiritually snooze.  We can get caught up or weighed down, but he knows us and helps us stay the course.  We can expect trouble; the devil will either get us to turn from Christ or try to distract us.  May God rekindle the fire of love in me so I may be ready when he comes.
    Wrapping up the year

    "Chi Rho" word cloud from the
    most often used words of the daily readings
    Dec. 1, 2013 - Nov. 29, 2014
    Click to animate
    For word clouds for this year's individual seasons, see my seasonal clouds post.

    Today marks the 502nd post to Liturgical Dress.  Thanks for your visits, comments, and other feedback!  May we dress our whole lives, inside and out, to God's word in the coming year and beyond...

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    November 28, 2014

    Nov. 28

    November 28, 2014:  Friday, 34th week, Ordinary Time




    • 'Angel' pin:  I saw an angel come down... (1st reading)
    • 'Key' tie pin, tie bar with chain:  ...holding the key to the abyss and a chain (1st reading)
    • 'Headless skeleton' tie pin:  I saw the souls of those beheaded for their witness (1st reading)
    • 'Birds' tie:  Even the sparrow finds a home and the swallow a nest (psalm)
    • 'Tree' pin:  Consider the trees (gospel)


    Listen

    For the psalm
    Pope Francis
    To pastoral care workers:  Bring the Gospel to the big city with new attitude and commitment; everyone needs to feel God's closeness and mercy.  Evangelize with audacity and fearlessness.  Look for God and remain where he's at work.  Discover people's authentic religious underlayer; recognize their varied experiences of God.  God speaks to us today through the poor.  Don't ignore the "thrown away" urban poor or be part of systems that hide them.  Go out:  meet, listen, bless, walk with people; facilitate their encounter with God.  Witness mercy and tenderness concretely to the poor and aged.
    To religious re new wine in new wineskins (Mk 2:22):  Be guided by the criteria of originality in evangelical choices, faithfulness to your charisms, primacy of service, attention to the smallest and most fragile, and respect for the dignity of each person.  Renew what no longer responds to what God asks today:  what gives false protection, puts a drag on charity's dynamism, distances us from the flock, or keeps us from hearing the cry of those who await the Good News. 
    Read
      'Dragon' from readings' words
      (animate)
    • Rv 20:1-4, 11-21:2  An angel tied up the dragon, Satan, and threw it into the abyss so it could no longer lead nations astray.  I saw thrones with those seated entrusted with judgment.  Those beheaded for their witness to Jesus came to life and reigned with Christ.  I saw a white throne and one seated on it.  The dead were judged according to their deeds, as written in the scrolls; anyone not found written in the book of life was thrown into fire.  I saw a new heaven and new earth; I also saw the holy city coming out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
    • Ps 84:3-6a, 8a  "Here God lives among his people."  I yearn for the living God.  Blessed they who dwell in your house!
    • Lk 21:29-33  “When trees' buds open, you know summer is near; similarly, when you see these things happening, know the Kingdom is near.  This generation will not pass away until all this has taken place.  Heaven and earth will pass away, but not my words.”
    Reflect
      • Creighton:  “Only one life, ’twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”  Our buildings, possessions, and plans may look solid, but they only last so long; our good deeds survive.  What am I doing today that will last?
      • One Bread One Body:  "Passing away" is a problem for us, for God "has put the timeless" into our heart (Qo 3:11).  God, his Word, his Kingdom, and we ourselves, don't pass away.
      • Passionist:  We who look forward to the beauty and blessings of the ‘new Jerusalem' are called to see God in humanity now.  We who will be judged according to our deeds need to put our faith into action, seeking God in all.
      • DailyScripture.net:  God's kingdom is as evident as the change of seasons; it buds first in those receptive to God's word.  Those who trust in it will bear fruit:  righteousness, peace, joy...  We can know God's presence through the Spirit's daily work.
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      November 27, 2014

      Thanksgiving

      November 27, 2014:  Thanksgiving Day / Thursday, 34th week, Ordinary Time

      • 'Peace sign' tie bar:  May peace abide among you (Thanksgiving 1st reading)
      • 'Sword' tie pin:  They'll fall by the sword (weekday gospel)
      • 'Stick figures' tie pin:  lepers including the thankful one (Thanksgiving gospel)
      • "Kneeling person" tie bar:  prayer of thanksgiving
      • 'Clock' tie bar:  countdown to end of church year
      • Green in tie bar:  Ordinary Time season
      • 'Medical' pin:  Jesus healed the lepers (Thanksgiving gospel)
      • 'Angel' pin:  A mighty angel... (weekday 1st reading)
      • 'Stone' tie pin:  ...picked up a stone (weekday 1st reading)
        •
      Listen

      For Thanksgiving Day
      For weekday 1st reading

      For Thanksgiving gospel
      For the psalms
      Pope Francis homily
      Both the Revelation and Luke readings point to the end of this world, speaking of the fall of cities that drifted from the Lord.  Babylon fell because of its corruption; when sin accumulates, you rot.  Corruption gives happiness, power, and self-satisfaction but leaves no room for the Lord, for conversion.  The worst corruption is worldliness, feeling like you're in heaven now while rotten inside.  Babylon is a symbol for all who distance themselves from God and love of neighbor.
      Jerusalem fell because it wasn't aware of her Bridegroom's visit.  Distracted, she failed to welcome the Lord who came to rescue her.  She felt no need for salvation, thinking Moses and the prophets were enough.  The Lord was knocking, but she wasn't willing to receive him, listen, and be rescued.
      Are we corrupt, self-sufficient, or distracted?  In both texts, there's hope.  Jesus urges us to be patient, not frightened.  When we think of the end, with our sins, think of the banquet and lift up your heads.  Don't give in to depression; hope!  Reality is ugly:  suffering, war, hatred, envy, worldliness, corruption—but it'll all fall!  Ask for grace to be prepared for the banquet, with head held high.
      Thanksgiving readings
      • Sir 50:22-24  Bless God who's done wondrous things, who fashions people.  May he grant you joy and peace; may his goodness endure and deliver us.
        Click to animate
      • Ps 145:2-11 "I will praise your name for ever, Lord."  Great are you, Lord; your majesty, wondrous works, goodness, justice, mercy, kindness, and compassion.  May your faithful bless you, speaking of your kingdom's glory and your might.
      • 1 Cor 1:3-9  I thank my God for God's grace given to you as you await Christ's revelation.  He'll keep you firm to the end.  By our faithful God you were called to fellowship with Christ our Lord.
      • Lk 17:11-19  Ten lepers:  “Jesus, have pity on us!” / “Show yourselves to the priests.”  They were cleansed on the way.  One returned, glorifying God and thanking Jesus.  
      Weekday readings
      • Rv 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a  Angel with authority, lighting earth:  “Fallen is Babylon; she'd become a cage for unclean spirits and beasts.”  Angel, throwing a stone into the sea:  “With such force will Babylon be thrown down.  No music will be heard in you, no tradespeople found, no light seen.  You led nations astray.”  Heavenly multitude:  “Alleluia!  Salvation, glory, and might belong to our just God; he condemned the harlot who corrupted the earth.  Smoke will rise from her forever.  Blessed are those called to the Lamb's wedding feast.”
        Click to animate
      • Ps 100:1b-5  "Blessed are they who are called to the wedding feast of the Lamb."  Sing to the Lord; serve the Lord.  We're God's people, his flock.  Enter with thanksgiving and praise.  The Lord is good, forever kind and faithful.
      • Lk 21:20-28  “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, its desolation is at hand.  Let those within escape and those outside stay out; it's the time of punishment when Scripture is fulfilled.  Calamity and wrathful judgment will come.  People will fall and be taken captive; Jerusalem will be trampled.  There will be signs, nations will be in dismay, and people will die of fright.  The Son of Man will come with power and glory.  Stand erect; your redemption is at hand.”
      Reflect
      • Creighton:  Revelation's apocalyptic writing, symbolic, mysterious, imaginative, allusive, with a vision of heaven, was popular.  The warning for Babylonians is thought to include Romans then controlling Israelites.  Despite difficulties, we're to trust in God’s promise and stay the course.  “When these signs happen, stand erect; your redemption is at hand.”
      • One Bread One Body:  May our Thanksgiving feast prefigure the heavenly wedding feast of the Lamb.  To come, we need the weakness of the Cross through which God's power is perfected.
      • Passionist:  In Stoppard's play Arcadia, character Valentine exudes, "It's the best time to be alive, when everything you thought you knew is wrong."  Disciples must be inclined to learn, be formed, and be transformed by Jesus. / Each of the saints canonized Sunday had a special connection with the poor and suffering:  "Closeness and tenderness are the rule of life for us.  The starting point of salvation is ... imitation of Jesus' works of mercy" (canonization homily).
      • DailyScripture.net:  Prophets had foretold the end-of-the-world signs Jesus described.  Jesus warned Jerusalem would be destroyed because they rejected the Gospel; over a million died then.  Jesus offers us safety in the face of threats.  Thank God for redemption and adoption as God's children.
      • Universalis:  St. Ferga (Vergilius of Salzburg), abbot, bishop
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        November 26, 2014

        Nov. 26

        November 26, 2014:  Wednesday, 34th week, Ordinary Time



        • 'Signs' tie, 'angel' pin:  I saw a sign:  angels... (1st reading)
        • 'Hand' tie pin:  His right hand has won victory (psalm)
        • 'Ruler' tie bar:  The Lord will 'rule' with justice (psalm)
        • 'Owl' tie pin:  I'll give you wisdom your adversaries won't be able to refute (gospel)
        • 'Clock' tie bar:  countdown to eschaton and end of church year

        Listen

        • But who may abide the day of His coming, from Messiah/ Handel (gospel):  traditional, "soulful" (gospel)
        Pope Francis audience
        The Church is not an end in herself but on the road to the kingdom of heaven, of which the Church on earth is seed and beginning.  The pilgrimage will reach fulfillment when the universe becomes a new Jerusalem consumed by joy, peace, and love of God.
        Even now there's continuity between the Church on earth and in heaven where those in God's sight support the living, praying for us.  And we're invited to offer good deeds, prayer, and the Eucharist to alleviate suffering of souls still waiting for heavenly bliss.
        The distinction is between who's in Christ and who isn't, not between the dead and the living.
        St. Paul tells us that all creation will be liberated from corruption and brought into the fullness of being, truth, and beauty.
        Read

        • Rv 15:1-4  I saw a sign:  angels... singing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb:  “Great and wonderful are your works, Lord God....  Just and true are your ways, O king.  You alone are holy.  All will worship before you...”

          Wordle: Readings 11-26-14
        • Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 7-8, 9  "Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!"  Sing to the Lord who has done wondrous deeds, winning victory, making salvation known, revealing his justice, remembering his kindness and faithfulness.  Shout for joy, for he comes to rule the earth.

        • Lk 21:12-19  “They'll seize you, persecute you, and hand you over because of my name.  You'll give testimony.  Don't prepare your defense beforehand; I'll give you wisdom your adversaries won't be able to resist or refute.  Even family and friends will hand you over, and kill some of you.  All will hate you because of me, but by your perseverance you'll secure your lives.”
        Reflect
          • Creighton:  Meditating on Heaven provides perspective.  Our journey toward Heaven has its joys, but we sacrifice pride, greed, lust, and popularity along the way.  Recognize the concomitant delights: “in dying we're born to eternal life.”  Find a way to sacrifice and “win the victory” and be invited into the heavenly chorus.
          • Passionist:  Holidays become disconnected from their origins; the journey, not always an easy one, gives meaning to the holiday.  Jesus promises he'll be our companion along the way, guiding and encouraging us.
          • DailyScripture.net:  Jesus' response to hostility is love and forgiveness.  God's love purifies us of what tears people apart.  Endure:  be patient; keep hoping.  Patience:  look beyond present difficulties to reward.  Endurance is a gift of the Spirit that enables us to bear trials.  Jesus is our model, enduring the cross for us; now we take up our cross and follow him.  Greek 'martyr' means 'witness.'  "Jesus was the faithful witness who freed us by his blood" (Rv 1:5).  "Christians' blood is seed" (Tertullian [Apologeticus, 50, vs. mistranslations]).  "When persecution comes, God's soldiers are put to the test, and heaven is open to martyrs.  We didn't enlist in an army to decline battle; the Lord took first place in the conflict" (Cyprian).  Martyrs live and die as witnesses of the Gospel, overcoming enemies through perseverance, love, kindness, goodness, and compassion.  We're called to be martyrs, witnesses to Christ, likely 'dry' ones who testify in daily challenges, temptations, and adversities, attracting others to the Gospel as they see us loving enemies, joyful in suffering, patient, forgiving, and compassionate.
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          November 25, 2014

          Nov. 25

          November 25, 2014:  Tuesday, 34th week, Ordinary Time
          St. Catherine of Alexandria

          • 'Crowns' tie:  Son of man wore gold crown (1st reading); "The Lord is king" (psalm)
          • 'Angel' pin:  An angel cried out, “Reap; the time has come.” (1st reading)
          • 'Grapes' pin:  “Cut the clusters from the vines, for its grapes are ripe.” (1st reading)
          • 'Scales of justice' pin:  The Lord comes to judge the earth (psalm)
          • 'Tree' pin:  The trees of the forest shall exult. (psalm)
          • 'Ruler' suspenders:  The Lord shall rule with justice (psalm)
          • 'Clock' tie bar:  The time is coming when stones will be thrown down (gospel)
          • Red in shirt:  martyrdom of St. Catherine
          Listen

          • Rv 14:14-19  There was a white cloud, and sitting on it one like a son of man, crowned, sickle in hand.  An angel cried out, “Reap the harvest!”  Another cried out in a loud voice, “Use your sickle and cut the clusters from the vines.”....
            'Sickle' from today's readings
            (animate)
          • Ps 96:10, 11-12, 13  "The Lord comes to judge the earth."  Say, The Lord is king; he governs with equity.  Rejoice; he'll rule with justice.
          • Lk 21:5-11  “The days will come when all the stones will be thrown down.” / “When?  And what sign will there be? / “Don't be deceived; many will say, ‘I am he,’ but don't follow them.  Don't be terrified of wars/insurrections; they must happen.  There will be earthquakes,  famines, and signs from the sky.” 
          Reflect

          • Creighton:  The first reading talks about a King that harvests the earth; the psalm says the Lord is King, ruling with justice.  Jesus tells his disciples the upcoming war, chaos, insurrections, famine, plagues, and earthquakes isn't the last word.  Martyrs live by that, with active faith, not paralyzed by fear, knowing God's kingdom starts here.
          • One Bread One Body:  Live, die, and face the end of the world unafraid, conquering fear by love (1 Jn 4:18), complete commitment.  Love will crowd out fear.
          • Passionist:  St. Catherine of Alexandria:  learned, convert, preacher, patroness of philosophers, preachers, and young unmarried women.
          Jerusalem temple, 40+ years in the making, was a wonder of the world; its destruction (by fire, AD 70) was beyond imagination:  people turned to cannibalism; over a million perished; almost 100K were taken captive. / Jesus:  don't be misled, follow false prophets, or fear; know God and justice will triumph.
          • DailyScripture.net:  Jesus' prophecy of the destruction of the Jerusalem temple pointed to both judgment and mercy.  We need to recognize the signs of God's judgment, mercy, and grace.  Accept God's invitation to seek his kingdom of righteousness and peace.
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          November 24, 2014

          Nov. 24

          November 24, 2014:  St. Andrew Dũng-Lạc, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs

          • 'Lamb' tie bar:  I saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion...
          • 'Faces on earth' tie:  "Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face."  Earth is the Lord’s (psalm)
          • 'Hand' tie pin:  The one with sinless hands can ascend the Lord's mountain (psalm)
          • 'Coin' button:  Poor widow putting in her livelihood of two small coins, vs. the "penny-pinching" wealthy (gospel)
          • Red shirt:  martyrs of Vietnam
          • 'Clock' tie bar:  last week of Ordinary Time
          • 'Ruler' suspenders:  Christ the King, 'Ruler' of the universe
          Listen

          Pope Francis homily:  H + P = F
          The Gospel captures the Church tempted by vanity, and the "poor Church," which like the widow must have no other riches than her Spouse.  The Church is a widow because she waits for her Bridegroom; she has him in the Eucharist, the Word of God, and the poor, but she's still waiting.  Like the widow, the Church mustn't shine on her own light but the light that comes from her Bridegroom.  If our mission is to illuminate humanity, the light we shine must be what we've received from Christ in humility.  Everything we do is to help us receive that light.  Service without it is no good: it makes the Church rich, powerful, or power-hungry; it makes her take the wrong road.
          When the Church is faithful to hope and her Bridegroom, it's a joy to receive his light, to be 'widow,' waiting.  When she's humble, poor, and admits her wretchedness, then she's faithful.  She says: ‘I'm dark, but my light comes from him!'  Pray to this widow now in Heaven, to teach us to be a humble Church that gives everything to the Lord and others, not boasting of our own light but seeking the Lord's.
          Read
          "2 small coins"
          (animate)
          • Rv 14:1-3, 4b-5  I saw the Lamb standing on Mt. Zion with 144K unblemished ransomed followers singing to harp music.
          • Ps 24:1bc-4ab, 5-6  "Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face."  The God-seeking clean-hearted shall receive blessings from the Lord their savior.
          • Lk 21:1-4  Jesus, seeing wealthy people making offerings and a poor widow putting in 2 small coins:  “She put in more than the rest; they made offerings from their surplus, but she, from her poverty, offered her livelihood.”
          Reflect
            • Creighton:  The widow teaches us two dimensions of trust:  trusting she could live without her livelihood, and trusting her contribution was significant.  It reminds me of Mother Teresa's story:  "Once a beggar offered me all he got.  I thought:  if I take it, he won't eat tonight, but if I don't, he'll be hurt—so I took it.  I've never seen such joy on anyone’s face.  It was a big sacrifice for him.  I can't get anything with such a small amount, but as he gave it up with such love, it became like thousands [A Simple Path].  Our contributions may be small, but let's give what we have and are, and trust.
            • One Bread One Body:  Jesus wants all-giving":  what we can't afford. Then we're empty and he fills us....
              Martyrs of Vietnam
            • Passionist:  Giving is at the heart of Christianity:  The widow gave all she had.  The Father gave himself to the Son and the Son to the Spirit.  "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son" (Jn 3:16).  We must love others by cheerful giving (2 Cor 9:7).  "Give, and it will be given to you; the measure you use will be measured to you." (Mt 6:38)  Cheerfulness comes when I make another's needs as important as mine.
            • DailyScripture.net:  True love is lavish!  True giving is from the heart.  What we have may seem small, but if we put it at the Lord's service, God will do with it, and us, more than we can imagine.
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