32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, 11/7

In today's Gospel reading, we are warned against only giving out of our surplus. Meaning, only giving when we have a lot to give. We learn about Jesus observing the rich, giving large sums -- which normally, we’d perceived as signs of great generosity. It makes me think of big celebrities who are also considered philanthropists, giving thousands of dollars to different charities. We often see these types of wealthy people as especially important or even more pious because of the immense dollar amount they give. But Jesus challenges our perspective once again. He explains that a poor widow who gave, even despite her poverty, gave more even though the dollar value was less. So often, we hold back from giving to others because we’re holding onto the little bit we have. We fear we will have nothing left and we will be left destitute. This applies not only to money, but to our relationships. Sometimes we fear that if we give ourselves to others, that we will be left in an internal poverty. The Litany of Trust encourages us, “From the fear that trusting You will leave me more destitute, deliver me Jesus.” It’s when we give that we find we are filled. 

Lillian Fallon, Communications Coordinator