Reflections on Scripture | Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

Gospel
Luke 18:35-43

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

The challenge of the gospel is always radical change, a rearranging of things in our head about what's important and what's not important. In this passage, we see that what God is really asking us is to give to Him everything that we have, everything that we are, our very being, our very self, and invite Him to transform that which we offer, offering our livelihood, everything we think makes us valuable, everything that we depend upon to keep us alive.

All of that is filtered through this wonderful promise of God. Stop worrying about it. Give it all up. Give it to me and I will take great care of you.

Closing Prayer

Father, we worry. We have a lot of anxiety over losing that which we feel we cannot live without. Bless us with this deep, abiding confidence that you will not take anything from us or ask anything from us, that will not in return be something that grants us fullness, abundance, and wonder. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kyle Cross