Reflection on Today's Readings, Monday, 34th Week in Ordinary Time Year II, November 23rd, 2020
Texts: Rev. 14:1-3.4b-5; Ps. 24:1-6; Luke 21:1-4
Many a time we judge gift based on its size or content. Today, God calls us to look at gift from his own perspective. God does not judge us based on the size or content of our gifts but based on the grace he has given us. Hence, today's gospel reading recalls Jesus' saying that to whom much is given much is expected from him/her (Luke 12:48). The value of a gift is independent of the size or content but dependent on availability of resources and the person. The reading, today, places emphasis on availability of resources to the person rather than the manner in which it is given, whether it is cheerfully or grudgingly. Jesus Christ
says, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more than all of them; for they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all the living that she had." God has given us a lot of gifts, both spiritual and material gifts, are we ready to give him back? We give him back his gifts to us when we use them for his glory and betterment of humanity. Remember he said yesterday, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these brethren, you did it to me." Let us learn to give to God in accord with his blessings. If he has given us more, let us learn to give more, for he expects more from us.
The widow in the gospel has given more than what justice requires, her action is no more about justice but about generosity and charity. She gave everything, which means her whole self to God; she put her whole self in the hand of God.
Today's first reading complements the story of the widow. The widow was able to attain such height in charity because she followed the lamb and so was able to understand heavenly song. St. John says, "And I heard a voice from heaven like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder; the voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps and they sing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who had been redeemed from the earth. It is these who follow the lamb wherever he goes". Lamb is an emblem of obedience to God and of self-denial and self-sacrifice. The heavenly song is that of love, generosity and self-sacrifice. We learn the song in following the lamb. We cannot follow Christ, the lamb of God, unless we are ready to deny ourselves and let go anything for God. Jesus says, "Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me" (Mark 8:34). The widow meet up with Jesus' requirements for following him.
Today we are called to follow Jesus Christ so as to be able to give gifts of value to God.
Lord our God, open our eyes to see the truth, open our ears to hear the song of the lamb, the truth, open our hearts to learn it that we may follow you nearly, love you dearly and follow you daily. Amen.
Rev. Fr. Andrew Olowomuke
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