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Writer's picture Olivia M. Bannan

PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY NOVEMBER 21, 2022



A reading of the holy Gospel according to LK 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


We should not be afraid to be generous. It is what we do to let all know of our generosity that needs to be looked at. There are so many celebrities who announce to the media how much they donated to a cause or all the good they have done. It appears that seeking recognition or human glory is the end result when the news is out. Is it necessary? The poor widow can help us understand what is important.


There were many offerings to the Lord in the Temple of Jerusalem. Agricultural goods, sacrificial offering of sheep or birds and money. The treasury was situated in a highly visible location. Jesus sat there and watched people putting in large sums of money in the treasury. Then came the poor widow who donated only two small coins or a penny. She mainly went unnoticed by the crowd. But Jesus took notice.


What we do, big or small, should go mostly unnoticed. Only God should know what we have done and if done from our hearts. The poor widow gave from her poverty not her abundance. She did it from her heart and Jesus, who knows all, knew that.


Today is the Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mother Mary as a child gave her whole self to God, without hesitation. She made a pleasing offering to God the Father, offering of herself. Every detail of her life was an offering, always saying "yes" to God, without reserve.


Whatever we do, do it for Christ and let Him and only He occupy our lives. St Teresa of Avila said, "If you but lift your eyes to Heaven, thinking of Him, He will repay you, never fear. (1)


So let's be generous with all we have since all we have comes from God. Mary as she was presented at the temple will present our gifts to the Lord.


God Bless You


(1) St Teresa, The Way of Perfection.




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