From Living Faith Daily Catholic Devotions (Oct/Nov/Dec 25)

St Andrew Dũng-Lac and Companions

Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20 + Daniel 3:52-56 + Luke 21:1-4

What to Offer

….he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins.

…she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.   Luke 21:2, 4

Jesus is observing people putting offerings into the treasury.  Wealthy people are giving from their excess wealth.  The widow is giving all she has.  Jesus praises her generosity and piety.  Her example challenges us.  Jesus sees the full picture of each of our lives and knows our hearts.  We are each to discern how to offer our gifts.

A friend of mine was advised by her spiritual director that she was coming close to giving “her two small coins,” meaning all her livelihood of time, energy and ability to rest, so she could recover from exhaustion from her efforts to care for her husband during his severe health crisis.  They were both older than 80.  She was caring for him with great love, but she needed to lovingly care for herself as well.

Jesus, help us to understand what would be best for us to give.

□ Patricia Livingston