THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
November 8, 2009
Gospel: (Mark 12:38-44)

Taking a seat opposite the treasury, Jesus observed the crowd putting money into the collection box. Many of the wealthy put in sizable amounts; but one poor widow came and put in two small copper coins worth about a cent. He called his disciples over and told them: “I want you to observe that this poor widow contributed more than all the others who donated to the treasury. They gave from their surplus wealth, but she gave from her want, all that she had to live on.”

Reflection:

The widow is described as poor; she contributes “all she had.” Surprisingly, the “large sums” given by the “rich people” pale in comparison to the widow’s far greater gift of “two small coins.” She gives her all, her whole livelihood, “from her want.” It is not the size of the gift which measures its value but the depth of the self-gift from which it comes. This is the kind of giving of which Jesus takes note. The widow in the gospel is the model for the radical demand of discipleship: she gives her all. Discipleship doesn’t mean that we necessarily do big and heroic things. It does mean that we do everything and meet whatever challenges come our way with hearts set right—we give of ourselves for the good of others. (Living Liturgy, p.246)

Vincentian Meditation:

In the movie Monsieur Vincent, there is a scene where Queen Anne of Austria, is talking to Vincent towards the end of his life. She is listing some of his great achievements. He listens pensively and then mutters: “I have done nothing.” She continues to catalogue the works he has initiated and again Vincent mutters: “I have done nothing.” The Queen becomes a little impatient with him and says: “Monsieur Vincent, if you say you have done nothing, what must we do if we are to save our souls?” Monsieur Vincent slowly raises his head and with his piercing black eyes looks at the Queen and utters one word:
“More.” (McCullen, Deep Down Things, p.467)

Discussion: (Share your thoughts after a moment of silence)

What “More” can we do?

Closing Prayer:

Jesus, our guide,
-give us the generosity to give “from our want.”
Jesus, our life,
-give us loving hearts.
Jesus, our light,
-give us the grace to do “More.” Amen

Catholic Meditations
Meditation: 1 Kings 17:10-16

A woman is minding her own business, gathering sticks so that she can build a fire and cook some food.

Out of nowhere, a man appears and asks: “Please bring me a small cupful of water” and “a bit of bread.” Instead of saying, “I am too busy” or “Go get your own bread” or “We’re too poor to feed you,” the woman does what he asks. The story is made all the more poignant when we consider that this woman was not only very poor but a widow as well.

Despite her poverty, this woman placed the traveler’s needs above her own. Her instincts of hospitality presvailed over the reality of her poverty. What this widow did not understand was that her generosity was going to be rewarded a hundredfold. For this traveler was Elijah, a powerful prophet of God.

Jesus once promised: “Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward” (Matthew 10:41). He placed a high value on hospitality, especially when it is shown to people who have dedicated themselves to serving the Lord. So what was this widow’s reward? Her jar never ran out of flour, and her jug never ran out of oil. Though drought and famine had gripped the land, this woman and her son were miraculously provided for.

There was another reward. When the widow’s son became ill and died, Elijah came and raised him from the dead.

Today we eat the body of the Lord and drink his blood. We welcome Jesus into our house just as this widow welcomed Elijah. So be sure to show him great hospitality. Don’t neglect him or leave him standing at the door. Know that if you are welcoming and generous to him, you will receive a huge reward: not just a “prophet’s reward” but a “Messiah’s reward.” Not just a “righteous man’s reward” but a “heavenly Savior’s reward.” Just as Jesus said to Zacchaeus, he will say to you: “Today salvation has come to this house” (Luke 19:9).

“Jesus, I welcome you today. Come into my heart and make it your home.”

Psalm 146:7-10; Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44

Catholic Meditations
Meditation: Luke 16:9-15

The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones. (Luke 16:10).

If we read these words in the context of today’s whole Gospel passage, we can see that Jesus considers money to be a “very small matter.” We may find that difficult to swallow. What about those of us who struggle every day to make ends meet? Does this mean that Jesus is telling us to stop working on our financial situation? That may be okay for someone like St. Francis of Assisi, but those of us who have to earn a living need to take a more aggressive approach!

Actually, Jesus does want to speak these words to everyone. He isn’t suggesting that we all take a vow of poverty, but he does want us to take a close look at our perspective on money. He wants us to see that in itself, money is neither “the root of all evils” nor a trivial matter to be ignored. Rather, Jesus is telling us that money is simply secondary when compared to our essential purpose, which is to know God through his Son Jesus, and to start living the life of heaven right now.

In a practical sense, this means that money does fit into the bigger picture of Christian living. As with anything else that God gives us, money is something we can use as a means to a greater end. By being careful in our spending and saving habits, we can use money as a tool to glorify the Lord. We are more free to donate to organizations that build his kingdom. At the same time, by guarding against the temptation to value money too much, we don’t let it become a snare that can draw us away from Jesus.

If you’re currently facing financial hardship, know that Jesus is with you and wants to help guide you and ease your anxieties. Think of the many ways he has cared for you in the past. Picture him on the cross, and recall his unending love for you. Know that he will never forsake you. Let his peace fill your heart, and don’t worry about tomorrow—he has it under control!

“Lord, help me to manage my finances wisely. I welcome you into this area of my life. Set me free from anxiety about my future, and make me a cheerful giver to those in need.”

Romans 16:3-9,16,22-27; Psalm 145:2-5,10-11

Censor of Books
(SEHN-ser uhv BØØKS)

A person appointed by ecclesiastical authority to read and give an opinion about books that require ecclesiastical permission for publication.

Sacraments of Initiation
(SA-kruh-mehnts uhv ih-nih-shee-AY-shuhn)

The three sacraments that enable one to be fully prepared to spread the Gospel. These three are Baptism (“rebirth”), Confirmation (“recommitment” or “sealing”), and Holy Eucharist (“nourishment”).

Abortion and weddings

Q. If the Church is so anti-abortion, why isn’t there some part of the rite of marriage in which the rejection of abortion is made clear? Shouldn’t couples be asked to reject it?

– Helen G., Hartford, Conn.

A. Here’s a reply from OSV columnist Msgr. M. Francis Mannion:

Actually, if one were to examine the rite of marriage, one would see a strong emphasis on children and the acceptance of them as a part of marriage. This acceptance of children is intrinsically anti-abortion.

One of the three questions asked of the couple as they prepare to exchange vows is, “Will you accept children lovingly from God and bring them up according to the law of Christ and His Church?” Since the texts of the rite provide a crucial basis for pre-marriage catechesis, I suggest that the one preparing the couple for marriage look at this question and the couple’s attitude toward it intensely.

It should be made clear that answering “yes” to this question excludes the option of abortion in the marriage. Accepting “children lovingly from God” represents a very strong pro-life stance.

As a pastor preparing couples for marriage, I have found a thorough study of the rites of marriage, including a review of the body of Scripture readings used in weddings, provides a most useful and thought-provoking means of marriage catechesis.

Catholic Meditations
Meditation: Luke 16:1-8

As this parable opens, we see nothing commendable about this steward.

He has wasted his master’s money, probably using it for his own benefit instead of investing it on his master’s behalf. Yet by the end of the story, the master is commending him for acting prudently.

It’s important to understand that the steward was within his legal rights in reducing the debts of these other folks. As long as he held his post, he could remove the interest he had undoubtedly tacked on earlier in order to line his own pockets. Although his motive was essentially self-centered, his actions had another effect. They made his master look generous. That’s probably why the master praised him: By endearing himself to the debtors while burnishing his master’s reputation, he had come up with a win-win situation.

We are stewards of our heavenly Father, and everything we do reflects on him. When we act selfishly, indifferent to the effect that our behavior has on other people, we misrepresent the way things really are. We are giving the world a picture of God that is not true to the love he has for us. When we are too timid to use our gifts to help other people, we cast doubt on God’s own generosity and compassion.

On the other hand, when we give someone the benefit of the doubt, being quick to understand and forgive, we offer that person a taste of our Father’s mercy. When we use the resources that he has given us to build people up, those around us get a sense that even God is on their side and that they can begin to entrust their lives to him.

Spend a few moments today asking God to show you one talent he would like you to use in a new way. If you don’t find the answer during your prayer time, it may come in a different form later in the day. Remember that you are a steward of nothing less than the unlimited grace of God. He has called you, he has empowered you, and he will help you!

”Lord, I am your servant. All that I am and have comes from you. Help me to use these gifts in a way that helps people see what a wonderful master you are.”

Romans 15:14-21; Psalm 98:1-4

– BOLETIN PARA NOVIEMBRE 7-8

Noticias de la Sociedad de San Vicente de Paúl

Artículo de la Semana para el Banco de Alimentos: Pañales para bebé. Éste es un artículo de mucha necesidad pero rara veces recibimos. Gracias!

El Árbol del Angel de la Navidad llegará muy pronto! Como todos los años, comenzando el 21 de Noviembre, tedremos el árbol del Angel de la Navidad en la Iglesia y la Capilla. Por favor, lleve alegría o una sonrisa en ésta Navidad a un niño(a) necesitado de nuestra parroquia o comunidad, tomando una de las etiquetas del árbol y devuelva a nosotros un regalo sin envolver. Gracias!

Ventajas de impuesto: San Vicente de Paúl es una organización sin fines de lucro registrada como: 501c3. Por favor llámenos al 407.330.4400 si usted quisiera hacer una donación y necesita un recibo para reclamar en los impuestos (Tax Deduction). Gracias.

Mensaje Vicentino de la Semana: En el Evangelio de hoy, Jesús nos dice: “Yo les aseguro que esa pobre viuda ha echado en la alcancía más que todos. Porque los demás han echado de lo que les sobraba; pero ésta, en su pobreza, ha echado todo lo que tenía para vivir: Pregúntese: “ Doy solamente de lo que me sobra en mi abundancia?” Gracias por su generosidad con San Vicente de Paúl.

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News from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Food Pantry Need of the Week: Diapers. This is an item we really need, but rarely receive through donations.Thanks!

The Christmas Angel Tree is coming: Please look for trees in each All Souls church beginning November 21. Just pick a tag, find a gift and help bring some Christmas smiles to a child in our area.

Tax benefits: St. Vincent de Paul is a registered 501c3. Please call us at 407.330.4400 if you’d like to make a donation and need a tax receipt. Thanks.

Vincentian Message: In today’s Gospel Jesus tells us: “I want you to observe that this poor widow contributed more than all the others who donated to the treasury. They gave from their surplus wealth, but she gave from her want, all that she had to live on.” Ask yourself: “Am I only giving from my surplus wealth?” Thank you for your generosity to St. Vincent de Paul.

Greek Fathers
(GREEK FAH-therz)

Bishops of the early Church who wrote fundamental theological works in Greek.

Autism and Sacraments

Q. My 4-year-old daughter has been diagnosed with mild autism. I am concerned about her future and receiving the sacraments.

I fully understand and respect that she will probably never be able to receive the Eucharist since she has difficulty with food textures, but I am concerned as to what the future holds for her. When the time comes, will she be able to be buried from the Catholic Church even though she is not a fully initiated adult?

Lori Sciancalepore, via e-mail

A. Here’s a reply from TCA columnist Father Francis Hoffman, J.C.D.:

Generally speaking, autism is not a barrier to receiving the sacraments, and when the time comes (hopefully very far in the future), your daughter can be buried from the Catholic Church, even if she is not a fully initiated adult. Even unbaptized infants can receive a Church burial.

As for receiving holy Communion, your daughter would need to understand what she is doing and be able to distinguish the consecrated Eucharistic bread from ordinary bread. If she is incapable of ingesting the Host, out of reverence for the Sacred Species, it would be most prudent for her to not receive. But in such a case you should not worry, because Our Lord will bless her with special graces since He loves each one of us, and He is infinitely just and merciful.