Breaking the Word

34^th Week in Ord. Time, Tuesday – 23^rd November 2021 — Gospel: Lk 21,5-11

Clinging to One’s faith

Jesus’ warning to the people who question him about the time of destruction of the temple is twofold: Do not be deceived and do not be terrified. Jesus cautions them about the perils of following teachings and instructions of false messiahs that differ from His message. The people are warned about blindly adhering to what seems spectacular, but which are not really the signs of the end time. At the same time, they should not be terrified when they hear of wars, rebellions and international conflicts, because they are part of God’s plan in bringing about the kingdom. These should necessarily happen before the final coming. In these dreadful moments, the disciples need discernment and guidance in order to continually respond to God’s plan.  Their steadfast perseverance, clinging to their faith through the trails and destructions will lead to their salvation.

34^th Week in Ord. Time, Monday – 22^nd November 2021 — Gospel: Lk 21,1-4

Serve from the heart

Luke introduces two sets of characters: the rich contributors and a poor widow. The action of both is the same. The size or amount of the gifts offered by the rich and the poor are contrasted. The rich contributors are not mentioned. Small gifts are easily overlooked. Jesus points out to one such overlooked gift. Jesus’ praise of the widow poses a challenge for his disciples: to give with complete devotion and selflessness. Thus, she becomes an example of selfless devotion to God and a great model in this materialistic world. Jesus explains that the others gave out of their abundance, but the woman offers her whole life. Comparing herself with others, the widow herself might have felt ashamed for giving the smallest offering. But she gave everything generously and gracefully. She did serve from the heart and not to self-advantage.