Sunday, November 20, 2016

Reflection for the 34th Week in Ordinary Time, Part 1

Monday – Two Small Coins

Two small coins. They were all the widow had left, and she didn't know when she would get any more. She would probably have to beg in order to eat, but she wasn't too proud to do that. God had always provided for her. He had always opened people's hearts and inspired them to give her what she needed. She could rely on Him even when no one in the world cared about her.

That's why the widow put the two small coins into the treasury. They weren't much, of course, when compared with the large donations of the wealthy. But they were her way of expressing her gratitude and her trust and her love for her Lord.

The widow never noticed the Man sitting opposite the Temple treasury. She didn't hear His words of praise. But she did feel especially loved right at that moment, and she knew she had done the right thing and that everything would be all right. God would never let her down.

Tuesday – Equity, Justice, and Constancy


Today's Psalm tells us that God governs with equity, justice, and constancy.

He governs all people evenly and uprightly (Hebrew meshar, equity), not giving special treatment to anyone without good reason and making sure that everyone has access to His grace in just the right proportion.

He commands with perfect fairness (Hebrew tsedeq, justice), knowing exactly what each of His people need and when they need it.

He rules with faithfulness (Hebrew emunah, constancy), remaining completely trustworthy and stable that His people may count on Him in all times, places, and situations.

Indeed, God is the perfect Ruler because His is the perfect Lover. He governs with equity, justice, and constancy because He loves us more than we can ever imagine.

(Information about Hebrew vocabulary comes from http://www.biblehub.com/.)

Wednesday – Wisdom in Speaking

Jesus makes us a promise in today's Gospel. He begins by warning us that we will face persecution for our faith and be hated for following Jesus and living according to His teachings. Further, we will have to testify to our faith in the midst of hostile adversaries.

But, and here comes the promise, we don't have to worry about what we will say when we find ourselves in those situations. “I myself,” Jesus assures, “shall give you a wisdom in speaking.”

Think about that for a moment. Jesus will place ideas in our minds and words on our lips that we may explain our faith and stand firm in it.

And He goes even further by adding that our opponents “will be powerless to resist or refute” these ideas and words.

What a promise! What a consolation! Even in the darkest moments, Jesus is beside us and within us, guiding us, guarding us, and strengthening us. All we need to do is open our hearts and minds and welcome Him.

Come, Lord Jesus!

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