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A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 21:1-4)

When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. He said, "I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood."

In today's Gospel, Jesus sees and sets as an example the generosity of the widow. Luke tells us that Jesus sees her put in two small coins, from her poverty putting her whole livelihood into the treasury offering. Having seen others make offerings from their surplus wealth, Jesus notes that the widow has put in more than them. As much as Jesus teaches the importance of almsgiving, he presents the widow as one who approaches the Lord in absolute poverty of spirit. Once she gives all that she has out of love for the Lord, her hands are empty—empty to receive from him every spiritual blessing.

God, help me understand what today's Gospel teaches me about my relationship with you. By default, I look to my self-reliance and ability to care for myself. As the widow did, help me recognize my dependence on you, not only for material needs but also for spiritual sustenance. You are eternally above all created things. As the psalmist says, "Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever." With this recognition comes humility. What do I have to give you that has any value at all? And how can I give myself entirely to you when I struggle to give of myself even from excess? Give me the grace, Lord, to recognize where my poverty of spirit dwells and to give from that same poverty to others who are famished in body and spirit. Empty me, God, of all that would prevent me from receiving and giving away your love.

From the Gospel acclamation: "Stay awake! For you do not know when the Son of Man will come." Lord, let me keep watch today for the time of your return.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.