Mighty Mite

Greetings on this the Monday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Dn 1:1-6, 8-20; Dn 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56; Lk 21:1-4
Notes: none.

Summary

As we ending the liturgical year these next three days we contemplate the life of Nebuchadnezzar, and these men of Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. We only read portions of the Book of Daniel chapters 1, 2 and 5. We skip these two stories: The Fiery Furnace (ch 3) and Nebuchadnezzar’s Madness (ch 4). These four humble men in the grips of the most powerful remain steadfast and strong in faith and practice of the faith. As a result everyone benefits from the wisdom of God and the justice of the Almighty.

Paired with the story of these four men are the three gospel portions.

1. The Poor Widow’s Contribution – her contribution is more valued than the massive sums of money the rich contribute. Humbly give what you can.
2. The Signs of the End – Do not follow them! who would lead you astray regarding the will of God. Do not be terrified by the signs of the end.
3. The Coming Persecution – Do not prepare a defense. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.

What is presented to us, post celebrating Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, is the struggle of the powerful over the faithful. While we may not have much, we have the LORD. Give what you can. Follow only the authentic. Do not spend time defending yourself. Simply do right, be right and show the power of God.

Reflection

Who can ignore the wonder and reassurance of the LORD who, seeing the poor widow contribute a mite (a very little), praised her for all eternity that her heart was in the right place and her intentions were grander than the men with vast powers. Touching the heart of God is a substantial thing, yes? She, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.

Personal Reflection

It is easy for me to be caught up in: ‘it wasn’t enough’. Or ‘I don’t have enough’. Enough is enough. In my ministry of old I did large projects and long duration funding plans for the indigenous and for the sake of justice and solidarity. Now I must learn to be content with the simplest of things. My right arm does not function as it should. So in service to the Altar the day is fast approaching that I will need to have the presiding priest do some of what is proper to my role. It is not all I am assigned to do but it is what I can do. I must find the poor widow within me.

The widow is another example of the poor ones in this gospel whose detachment from material possessions and dependence on God leads to their blessedness (Lk 6:20). Her simple offering provides a striking contrast to the pride and pretentiousness of the scribes denounced in the preceding section (Lk 20:45–47). The story is taken from Mk 12:41–44. Source: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/21?1

The LORD decides the increase anyway.

First Reading

But Daniel was resolved not to defile himself with the king’s food or wine; so he begged the chief chamberlain to spare him this defilement. To these four young men God gave knowledge and proficiency in all literature and science, and to Daniel the understanding of all visions and dreams.

Responsorial
Glory and praise for ever!

Gospel Acclamation
Stay awake! For you do not know when the Son of Man will come.

Gospel
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.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry