Dn 1:1-6, 8-20 Dn 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56 Lk 21:1-4

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections

In today’s reading, David decides to take less and live simply, and we see the great rewards God gives him and his friends for doing this!  It is easy to see ads on the TV or see someone else’s possessions and want more stuff.  But this stuff is often frivolous and doesn’t help us grow and thrive.  David proves that he is better off without the extravagant feasts and possessions.  And yet, even with this proof, it is so easy to fall into the habit of wanting more and giving less.

“He said, ‘I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than the rest;…she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.’” –Lk 21:3-4

It is not about how much you give, necessarily, but about your intentions.  The woman in the Gospel is said to have given more because of her selfless offerings to the Lord, whereas the others were just giving out of social necessity.  She may have given a smaller physical amount, but it amounted to so much more because of her sacrifice compared to the wealthy people’s easy offerings, barely dipping into their funds.

How often do we give the bare minimum?  We are afraid of being hurt and enduring any suffering, so we play it safe and don’t reach our full potential, because that could make us vulnerable.  I am always struck by this woman’s courage to give all that she has, having faith that all will be well and that God will provide for her.  When it comes to money, it is easy to be stingy, thinking that it is a necessity and that if it gets low, we won’t be happy.  But God’s love is the only necessity, and everything else will fall into place with faith.  How much better would it be if we could give of all we have and praise God, who is exalted above all forever?  By holding back, we’re trying to play God and live on our own accord, but he will always be above us and deserving of our glory and praise!

“Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever!”
-Dn 3:52