The Catholic Calendar for Monday, November 22, 2004
Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Cecilia, virgin, martyr

Scripture from Today's Liturgy of the Word:
Revelation 14:1-3,4-5
Psalm 24:1-66
Luke 21:1-4

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Jesus has given us another seemingly difficult teaching. He says that we must give from our "want", not from our excess. He indicates that the value of what we give depends on the sacrifice that giving it involves.

His words stop me in my tracks, give me real pause for concern because I know that true sacrifice is really rare for me. Too often I have a "hidden agenda" albeit, giving makes me feel "good." Rarely do I give 'til it hurts.

Yet, that is the teaching that Jesus wished to communicate. In speaking about the widow giving all she had, He alluded to the ultimate sacrifice He would make on our behalf - the shedding of His blood, His very death.

Yet that is the very kind of sacrifice we're called upon to consider - willingly dying to ourselves so that the Jesus in us can resurrect. In those terms, Jesus' teaching takes on far greater meaning than just giving away "things."

Let us pray for generosity and perseverance and beg the Holy Spirit to give us the grace to accomplish all He has called us to be....

Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord?
or who may stand in his holy place?
He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean;
who desires not what is vain. (see Ps.24)

- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds

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posted by joachim at 4:11 AM