Monday, 26 November

THIRTY FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Psalm 24, Apocalypse 14: 1-5, Luke 21: 1-4

Power of the poor

At a time when celebrities donate extravagant sums of money, the picture of the widow offering her two copper coins strikes a very modern chord. The Greek word “poverty’ translates as ‘deficiency’ or ‘need’, so she understood what this giving would cost her. God loves a cheerful (“hilarious”) giver, so we know that, in spite of her lowly status, her action pleased the Lord. God exalts the humble.

Lord, keep me giving in this land of plenty, not only to alleviate poverty, but also to please you.