Gospel: Mark 12:38-44
Today our reflection will be a little different than usual. I would like to share with you three quotations from three people that in their lives help us to understand what it means to “be given something" and to give something.” When we hear the word ‘give’ we most likely think of money and perhaps, this is the case more often than not. However, it can mean more than that …as giving of our talents and our time.
Therefore, in this reflection I would like to share with you three quotes to ponder. In these times where money and fame are uppermost in our society and in the lives of some people, the words of these three people, hopefully will give us pause to think of how we use our money and even our talents.
From Mother Teresa of Calcutta
"It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” What motivates you to give?
From Pope Francis
“We must watch out for those who live their faith with duplicity, like the Scribes, so as not to become like them; whereas we must ‘watch’ the widow and take her as a model. Let us reflect on this: to watch out for hypocrites and to watch the poor widow.”
… can I be honest and ask myself if I give from my heart to share or give to be praised?
From Sebastian Temple (musician and composer)
“All that I am, all that I do,
All that I'll ever have, I offer now to you.
All that I dream, all that I pray,
All, that l’ll ever make, I offer now to you.”
…can I make this my daily prayer?
In closing, I give you the refrain of this song:
“Take and sanctify these gifts
For your honor, Lord.
Knowing that I love and serve you
Is enough reward.”
All that I am by Sebastian Temple
Sister Celeste Hupert, CSFN
