Reflection by Deacon Matt

Reflection for 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: 

1 Kings 17:10-16: As we reflect upon this marvelous story of faith, sacrifice, trust in God and total self-giving, let us ponder whether we have, to any degree, the faith of the widow of Zarephath. Do we give so generously, of our time, talents and wealth, that it might even “hurt” our budget or stretch our finances a little? Exercising that degree of charity and sacrifice stretches the soul, as it demonstrates great trust in God to make provisions for us, as we make provisions for others around us who need our help. Dear Lord, so fill us with love and mercy that we’re compelled to be extravagant in our efforts to share with others our time, talents and treasures. Make of each of us, a balm to comfort others and relieve them of their suffering and needs…   in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Psalm 146: “Praise the Lord, my soul!” Now, after our first point of reflection, we sing a psalm of praise, worship and trust in God. United with the psalmist, we celebrate God’s attentive provisions for us and for God’s spirit of justice and fairness. While we may not experience justice and fairness on earth, we’re promised that all of us will be treated with ultimate justice and fairness in Heaven. That’s a lot to look forward to, as well as to be pondered soberly.      We’ll be held accountable for any ways in which we’ve treated others unfairly or uncharitably. 

We sing, today, of God’s compassion for the vulnerable and the afflicted, and we pray that we, too, may demonstrate love, compassion, mercy and charity to others around us who are suffering. We have to remember that when we interact with others around us, we’ll be judged as if we treated the Lord, Himself that way!

Hebrews 9:24-28: While continuing to ponder our Christian Mission to generously sacrifice ourselves for others, we reflect, with St. Paul’s inspiration, on Jesus’ total sacrifice of Himself for our redemption and salvation. As Paul proclaims: Jesus “appears before God on our behalf.” We’re likewise called to sacrifice of ourselves, on behalf of others. We’re first of all called to pray for all others around us who are suffering. As Scripture tells us, we’re especially called to pray for the forgiveness and salvation of our enemies and those who have hurt us. It helps to pray for the ability to love, even our “enemies,” or those who have hurt us the most. As we pray for, assist and help others in need around us, we unite our prayers, sacrifices and efforts to help with Jesus’ own Sacrifice of Himself. Then, we’re truly being part of the “Communion of Saints,” as we’re all called to be!

Mark 12:38-44:  In today’s Gospel, the culmination of our reflection on the holiness of total self-giving and sacrifice comes as we ponder the story of the “widow’s mite;” the huge sacrifice this anonymous widow made of “giving her all” to God. In the eyes of the world, this seems as nothing; but in the eyes of God she has demonstrated an abundance of love, mercy, faith and unselfish devotion! Her quiet and selfless act has been celebrated and held up as a role-model for thousands of years! Just imagine the joy that she’s experiencing in Heaven, as her example of sacrifice is being celebrated and exalted to inspire us all!
Dear God! Miraculously inspire us all to be generous in our efforts to comfort specific others around each of us, who can benefit from our assistance! 

Lovingly, 
Deacon Matt