Not from our surplus should we give

Today is the Memorial of The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Sisters and brothers in Christ, oftentimes, we do not prioritize God first in our lives. We think to ourselves, we do not have any sporting events, gatherings, etc., going on this weekend so let's go to Mass on Sunday. Or we are too busy to set aside 5-10 minutes to pray in the morning as we hurry off to squeeze in a workout at the gym before we head to the office. Or I am too tired to pray before we sleep as we flip aimlessly through the channels on cable T.V. or Prime Video or Netflix.

In today's Gospel, Jesus points out a widow who did not offer from her "surplus" but offered her "whole" self. Our Blessed Mother Mary did the same, we know this is her #Fiat, or "yes" to God, and we hear this in her canticle: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my savior." Mary gave herself entirely to God - mind, body, soul, and spirit. We are called to do the same in our lives and Mary is our model to follow in holiness.

We just celebrated the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Her Son, Jesus, was King in Blessed Mother's heart. Is Christ King in our hearts. Do we give ourselves completely to our King - mind, body, soul, and spirit - as Mary did or do we hold back and only give of our "surplus"? Let us ponder that because we know in our hearts that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ gave of himself totally on the Cross for our salvation. We can give God praise, glory, and honor but giving our "whole" self, not from our "surplus".

. . .

Gospel of the Day

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.”