Sacrificial Gift
Monday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Luke 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."
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“Those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Jesus “saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury.” In another Gospel, St. Mark tells us that “Many rich people put in large sums” (Mark 12:41). Certainly, it is good that these wealthy people give their tithe. But it is interesting that Jesus doesn’t say anything about them. The Gospel says Jesus “saw” them, but the widow He “noticed.”
The one whom Jesus especially notices and speaks of is the one who gives sacrificially, from her poverty. We must be generous, even sacrificial, with our giving. Is there some unnecessary purchase that each of us could give up and instead give the funds to tithing or charity (e.g., Starbucks, leather seats in the car, music, new clothes)?
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
