A reading from the holy Gospel according to 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.”
REFLECTION: ... "she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”
Each day the Jews would present animals, or agricultural products such as oil, flour, bread and money to the Temple for the daily offerings to God. Jesus sat near the spot of the Temple treasury and noticed the many who were donating out of the abundance of their surplus. He also noticed a poor widow who donated two coins (worth a penny). He knew that was all she owned. It was through the generosity of her God filled heart that she gave. And to have God in her soul was all that was needed for she would be rewarded.
It brought great joy to Jesus when He saw this. The Kingdom of God is priceless; however, it will cost us whatever we have to the last penny--our charity and love for God and neighbor. Her soul was predisposed to be more generous. Had she had more, she would have given more.
Peter and Andrew gave up all their possessions to follow God. Matthew gave up his lucrative business of taxing people. Even with the simplest of giving a cold cup of water to the little ones, God promises your reward. Was not the widow generous with Elijah when he requested bread from her last flour and oil?
We should not be afraid of being generous. After all, none of what we have is ours. It all belongs to God. And almsgiving is a gift from God and we do as best we can.
PAPA Relief is a ministry, not yet materialized, of helping the poor, the seniors, those who have been affected by Covid, the lonely or those who need groceries. It is a privilege to be generous when it comes to doing the work of God. But what is our sacrifice of generosity if we contribute from the abundance of our surplus? It challenges us to ask, "How can our loose change change lives?"
So we bring this idea for your consideration. What if we collect our loose change in jars and when full make a donation toward PAPA Relief fund. Perhaps we do not buy that dessert, nor go to the coffee shop, clean our own house without the cleaning service, pick pecans and sell them, etc. When enough funds are collected we can share with the less fortunate to help them with what they need.
This could be a great project, especially for our PAPA teens. This is an excellent idea for those who want to do many things for God. Anyone interested, please let us know.
God Bless You
