Monday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Our first reading from the Book of Revelation paints a scene of the “holy ones” who delight in eternal peace: “…with him [the Lamb] a hundred and forty-four thousand…were singing what seemed to be a new hymn before the throne” Who are these one hundred and forty-four thousand who follow the Lamb? The answer is in the last verse of the reading: “On their lips no deceit has been found; they are unblemished” (Rev 14:5). These are the ones Jesus has made into a “kingdom, priests for his God and Father” (Rev 1:6 from the second reading we heard on Sunday). Using the language of St. Luke from the conclusion of yesterday’s gospel, these are the disciples who “belong to the truth and listen to my voice.”
Today, the gospel (Lk 21:1-4) presents us with an example of one of these holy ones who “longs to see the face” of God. (Ps 24:6) Jesus takes notice of a poor widow who contributes to the temple treasury more than all other donors because she has given not of out surplus wealth, but every penny that she had left on which to live. This widow is not only a representative of the righteous but also a symbol of the magnanimity of God’s love. Just as the widow gave “her whole livelihood,” so does our God give the fullness of his merciful love, witnessed by the self-sacrificial gift of his only-begotten Son, Jesus.
Thought for today: Have I shared with others from the surplus of my time, gifts and talents or have I given from the entire store of my being?
Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB
Posted in Articles for Christmas, Daily Reflections